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Background: Every year the global incidence of obesity increases considerably and among the factors that favor it is bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor widely used in plastics and omnipresent in many everyday objects., Methods: A total of 19 studies published between 2018 and 2023 that addressed the relationship between BPA exposure and obesity were included in this review in order to better understand its behavior and mechanisms of action., Results: The studies reviewed conclude that BPA is an obesogen that alters the function of hormonal receptors, promotes metabolic syndrome, affects certain genes, etc., leading to a greater risk of developing obesity. With important emphasis on the ability to cause epigenetic changes, thus transmitting the effects to offspring when exposure has occurred during critical stages of development such as during gestation or the perinatal period., Conclusions: There is sufficient evidence to show that BPA is a risk factor in the development of obesity. Even so, further research is necessary to exhaustively understand the causal relationship between the two in order to develop prevention measures and avoid possible future adverse effects.

Background/objectives: Socioeconomic status and parental lifestyle influence dietary behaviors, including the administration of oral dietary supplements in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors on the use of dietary supplements by children., Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a diagnostic survey based on the computer-assisted web interview method was conducted in November 2022 among 2826 parents whose children attend public educational institutions in Krakow, Poland. The study group included data on 497 nursery children (17.6%), 599 kindergarten children (21.2%), 1594 primary school children (56.4%), and 136 secondary school children (4.8%)., Results: Among all respondents, 72.2% were taking oral nutritional supplements, with vitamin D supplementation being particularly popular in all groups. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of supplement use, including special diet ( p < 0.001), use of medication for chronic disease ( p = 0.012), regularity of main meals ( p = 0.022), and attending a sports school ( p = 0.021). A decrease in supplement use was observed with the increasing level of education of children ( p < 0.001)., Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of various health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors in influencing decisions regarding dietary supplementation in children. Further assessment of dietary supplement usage should be conducted alongside evaluations of nutrient intake from the children's diet.

Obesity is associated with alterations in circulating IGF1, IGF1-binding proteins (IGFBPs), insulin, inflammatory markers, and hormones implicated in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and aging. However, the effects of 4 and 6 h time-restricted eating (TRE) on circulating IGF1 and IGFBPs is uncertain., Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of TRE on plasma IGF1, IGFBP1, IGFBP2, and IGFBP3, and whether these effects were mediated by weight loss or body composition changes. Insulin sensitivity, glucose control, adipokines, and inflammatory markers were also examined., Design: An exploratory analysis of an 8-week randomized controlled trial implementing a daily TRE intervention was carried out., Participants/setting: This study was conducted at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2019. Participants with obesity were randomized to 4 or 6 h TRE (n = 35) or a control (n = 14) group. Plasma biomarkers were measured by ELISA at baseline and week 8. In a sub-analysis, participants were stratified into higher- (>3.5%) and lower- (≤3.5%) weight-loss groups., Intervention: Participants fasted daily from 7 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the 4 h TRE group (20 h) and from 7 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the 6 h TRE group (18 h), followed by ad libitum eating for the remainder of the day. Controls received no dietary recommendations., Main Outcome Measures: IGF1, IGFBPs, hsCRP, and adipokines were the main outcome measures of this analysis., Statistical Analysis: Repeated measures ANOVA and mediation analysis were conducted., Results: Body weight significantly decreased with TRE (-3.6 ± 0.3%), contrasting with controls (+0.2 ± 0.5%, p < 0.001). Significant effects of TRE over time were observed on plasma IGFBP2, insulin, HOMA-IR, and 8-isoprostane levels, without affecting other biomarkers. In the sub-analysis, IGFBP2 increased while leptin and 8-isoprostane decreased significantly only in the "higher weight loss" subgroup. Changes in insulin and HOMA-IR were related to TRE adherence., Conclusions: Eight-week daily 4 to 6 h TRE did not affect IGF1, IGFBP1, or IGFBP3 levels but improved insulin, HOMA-IR, and 8-isoprostane. IGFBP2 increased and leptin decreased when weight loss exceeded 3.5% of baseline.

Background and Purpose: Nutritional status can influence the outcomes and mortality of various diseases. The association between initial nutritional status and ischemic stroke outcomes, however, remains poorly understood. This study investigated whether the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score at admission could predict functional recovery, complications, and survival following an ischemic stroke., Methods: We enrolled a total of 938 patients experiencing their first acute ischemic stroke and categorized them into three groups based on their CONUT score at admission: CONUT 0-1, CONUT 2-4, and CONUT 5-12. The CONUT score was assessed using the serum albumin, total cholesterol, and lymphocyte count. We evaluated the incidence of complications during their hospital stay. Outcomes, including the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), Functional Ambulatory Classification (FAC), and mortality, were assessed at baseline, as well as at three and six months post-stroke., Results: CONUT scores were significantly associated with functional outcomes (mRS, FIM, and FAC) and mortality during the six-month follow-up period post-stroke (all p < 0.05). The CONUT 5-12 group exhibited significantly poorer improvements in mRS, FIM, and FAC scores (all p < 0.05) and a lower survival rate ( p < 0.01) during the six-month follow-up compared to the CONUT 0-1 and CONUT 2-4 groups. Additionally, the incidence of pneumonia, urinary tract infections, pressure sores, falling injuries, and fractures was significantly higher in the CONUT 5-12 group than in the other groups (all p < 0.01)., Conclusions: CONUT scores at admission are associated with functional recovery, mortality, and the incidence of complications following a first-ever ischemic stroke. Consequently, the early identification of patients at risk of malnutrition via CONUT scores can be crucial in enhancing patient assessment after an acute stroke.

Background/Objectives: Dietary habits are among the most significant determinants of health. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality and cardiovascular profiles of individuals following plant-based diet. Methods: The study population comprised 199 individuals (136 women, 63 men; mean age 33.9  ±  8.9 years) including vegans (VG; n = 50), vegetarians (VN; n = 101) and omnivores (OV; n = 48). In this analysis the following procedures were assessed: a questionnaire interview, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and a blood sample collection. Dietary patterns were evaluated using the Food Frequency Questionnaire and a 24-h dietary recall. Results: Vegans exhibited the lowest protein intake relative to the other groups ( p < 0.05) and a significantly higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lower intake of cholesterol compared to VN and OV ( p < 0.05). Vegans had significantly lower levels of serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, fasting glucose and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( p < 0.05). No cases of overweight or obesity were observed among VN and VG participants. No instances of impaired fasting glucose or elevated blood pressure were noted among vegans. Hypercholesterolemia was identified in 56.2% of OV, 26.7% in VN and 16.0% in VG ( p < 0.05), elevated blood pressure was recorded in one vegetarian and in 6.2% of OV participants. Conclusions: Our research indicates that plant-based diets are associated with a better cardiovascular profile compared to traditional diets. Moreover, suboptimal intake of essential nutrients, underscores the need for more effective public health interventions and improved nutrition education regardless of dietary patterns.

Background/Objectives : Equol has protective effects against coronary artery disease and dementia by strongly binding to estrogen receptor beta, whereas the intake of soy isoflavone alone does not always confer such protective effects. Equol production is completely dependent on the existence of equol-producing gut microbiota. The effects of equol-producing status on the cerebrovascular diseases remain unclear. The current study was aimed to investigate the association of equol-producing status with the development of stroke and its neurological prognosis. Methods : Frequencies of equol producers were compared between healthy subjects (HS) registered in the Suita Study and patients with acute stroke admitted to our stroke center from September 2019 to October 2021 in a retrospective cohort study. Results : The proportion of HSs and patients with ischemic stroke who were equol producers did not significantly differ (50/103 [48.5%] vs. 60/140 [42.9%], p = 0.38). However, cardioembolic stroke was significantly associated with low a prevalence of equol producers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.99, p = 0.05). A higher left atrial volume index was observed in equol nonproducers (46.3 ± 23.8 vs. 36.0 ± 11.6 mL/m 2 , p = 0.06). The equol nonproducers had a significantly higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation than the equol producers (27.5% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.04). Furthermore, the equol producers exhibited a significantly favorable functional outcome upon discharge (aOR 2.84, 95% CI 1.20-6.75, p = 0.02). Conclusions : Equol is a promising candidate for interventions aiming to reduce the risk of CES and atrial dysfunction, such as atrial fibrillation and improve neurological prognosis after ischemic stroke.

Background/Objectives : The Mediterranean diet (MD) is one of the most studied dietary patterns to date and is associated with multiple benefits for health and sustainability. However, paradoxically, adherence to the MD (AMD) has been gradually decreasing in native regions. It is necessary to identify the factors that influence AMD to reverse this trend and to mitigate the negative outcomes (for health and the environment) associated with westernized diets. The objective of this study was to assess how self-perception of dietary behavior influences AMD. Methods : During the 28-day repeated measurement cross-sectional study, participants' dietary information was obtained from an initial form which established the self-perception of dietary behavior and the e12HR application to establish actual food consumption by individuals. Using the dietary information from both sources, the AMD index was calculated (specifically, the Mediterranean diet Serving Score (MDSS) index). Two categories of self-perception of dietary behavior were defined: Normal/underestimation: difference (MDSS index from initial form-MDSS index from e12HR application) ≤0; and Overestimation: difference >0 (with three subcategories: low (difference = 1-5), moderate (difference = 6-10), high (difference = 11-15)). Results : 139 (111, women; 28, men) Spanish university students were studied, with 98.6% (99.1%, women; 96.4%, men) falling into the overestimation category (they overestimated their dietary behavior); these students had significantly lower MDSS indexes, mean = 6.7, than students in the normal/underestimation category, mean = 12.0. Within the overestimation category, there were significant differences in the MDSS index: low (mean = 8.1), moderate (mean = 6.7), and high (mean = 4.9) subcategories and also differences that were significant in women but not in men. Conclusions : Overestimation of dietary behavior could be associated with lower AMD in all Spanish university students and women.

As adiposity increases in youth, so does the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs). The etiology of adiposity-based chronic disease and CMRFs includes ethnoracial disparities that are rarely considered in current treatment approaches. Precision interventions require further characterization of these disparities among high-risk youth. The objective of this study was to characterize differences in CMRF among African American (AA) and Hispanic (H) adolescents with varying levels of adiposity. A cross-sectional analysis of 2284 adolescents aged 12-17 was conducted using 3-year clinical data from Lifedoc Health. CMRF prevalence were compared using χ 2 , with logistic regression models (LRM) applied to explore the relationships between exposures (age, sex, ethnoracial group, adiposity) and CMRF outcomes. Prevalence of CMRF rose with increasing adiposity, which was the strongest determinant of risk overall. However, individual risk profiles differed between the two groups, with H having higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), higher triglycerides and liver enzymes, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Meanwhile, AA had higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure (BP) in the overweight category, prediabetes in overweight to severe obesity, and type 2 diabetes in obesity. LRM showed 3.0-fold greater chance of impaired glucose metabolism in AA than H, who were 1.7, 5.9, and 8.3 times more likely to have low HDL-c, high liver enzymes, and high triglycerides, respectively. Overweight/obesity prevalence was very high among AA and H adolescents. Excess adiposity was associated with an increased prevalence of CMRF, with individual risk factors differing between groups as adiposity increased. Research within routine clinical settings is required to better characterize these discrepancies and ameliorate their adverse impact on health in the transition to adulthood.

Individuals with dementia and neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) often suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Neuroinflammation driven by conditions involved in CVDs is linked to disruptions in the central nervous system triggering immune reactions, perpetuating an "inflammatory-like" environment. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been proposed as a key factor to attenuate these risks. Blood nuclear cell samples were collected from 134 participants of the PREDIMED trial, which randomized participants to three diets: one supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil (MedDiet-EVOO), another with nuts (MedDiet-Nuts), and a low-fat control diet. These samples were analyzed at baseline and 12-month follow-up to assess the impact of these dietary interventions on gene expression markers. We first selected target genes by analyzing intersections between NDD and CVD associations. Significant gene expression changes from baseline to 12 months were observed in the participants allocated to the MedDiet-EVOO, particularly in CDKN2A, IFNG, NLRP3, PIK3CB, and TGFB2. Additionally, TGFB2 expression changed over time in the MedDiet-Nuts group. Comparative analyses showed significant differences in TGFB2 between MedDiet-EVOO and control, and in NAMPT between MedDiet-Nuts and control. Longitudinal models adjusted for different covariates also revealed significant effects for TGFB2 and NAMPT. In conclusion, our results suggest that one year of traditional MedDiet, especially MedDiet-EVOO, modulates gene expression associated with CVD risk and NDDs in older adults at high CV risk.

Background: Fasting potentially alters the aging process induced by obesity by regulating telomere integrity, which is related to longevity genes. However, the impact of periodic fasting (PF) on the expression of longevity genes, particularly Forkhead Box O Transcription Factors (FOXO3a) and the Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT), is not fully understood. This study aimed to analyze the effects of PF, specifically on FOXO3a, hTERT expression, and other associated factors., Methods: A quasi-experimental 10-day study was conducted in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. This study consisted of an intervention group (PFG), which carried out PF for ten days using a daily 12 h time-restricted eating protocol, and a control group (CG), which had daily meals as usual. FOXO3a and hTERT expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time qPCR. A paired t -test/Wilcoxon test, independent t -test/Mann-Whitney U-test, and Spearman's correlation test were used for statistical analysis., Result: Thirty-six young men participated in this study. During the post-test period, FOXO3a expression in the PFG increased 28.56 (±114.05) times compared to the pre-test, but the difference was not significant. hTERT expression was significantly higher in both the CG and PFG. The hTERT expression in the PFG was 10.26 (±8.46) times higher than in the CG, which was only 4.73 (±4.81) times higher. There was also a positive relationship between FOXO and hTERT in the CG., Conclusions: PF significantly increased hTERT expression in the PFG; however, no significant increase was found in FOXO3a expression. PF regimens using the 12 h time-restricted eating approach may become a potential strategy for preventing obesity-induced premature aging by regulating longevity gene expression.

This study looked at how desalinated seawater, which has low minerals and high boron, could affect bone health. Prior research suggests that low mineral water may harm bone health and boron could be beneficial, but the overall impact on bone health is still unclear. Eighty-nine-week-old male Balb/C mice were allocated into eight groups and administered either tap water or purified water with varying boron concentrations (0, 5, 40, and 200 mg/L). They were kept in an environment mimicking tropical conditions (35-40 °C, 70-80% humidity) and underwent daily treadmill exercise for 13 weeks. At the 14th week, serum, femora, and lumbar vertebrae were collected for mineral metabolism, bone biomarker, microstructure, and biomechanics evaluation. Boron exposure improved bone formation, microstructure, and biomechanics initially but the benefits weakened with higher levels of exposure ( p < 0.05). Co-exposure to purified water elevated serum boron but weakened the promotion of boron on bone minerals and the bone benefits of boron compared to tap water ( p < 0.05). Thus, when studying the health effects of boron in desalinated seawater, it is crucial to look at various health effects beyond bone health. Furthermore, it is important to consider the mineral composition of drinking water when using boron for bone health benefits.

The important trace elements, copper and selenium, have diverse effects on human health. As well as other important roles in living tissues, these trace elements are toxic at high levels but are key constituents of various enzymes and proteins essential for maintaining physiological health. However, links between dietary intakes of these elements, particularly copper, and bone mineral density (BMD) in humans remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate whether dietary intakes of copper and selenium are associated with BMD in women. Dietary intakes of copper and selenium were assessed for 575 women in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study, using a detailed semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire in conjunction with nutrition composition databases. Participants taking oral multivitamin preparations were excluded from analyses; 522 participants (ages 20-88 y) met the eligibility criteria. BMD at multiple skeletal sites was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Lunar DPX-L). Separate multivariable regression models were developed to identify associations between copper and selenium intakes and BMD, after adjustments for age, anthropometry, other dietary factors, medication use, and lifestyle factors. Median (interquartile range) daily intake for copper was 1.5 mg (1.2-1.9) and for selenium, 72 μg (57-90). Low intakes (lowest tertile versus pooled upper tertiles) of copper and selenium were consistently associated with lower BMD at multiple skeletal sites. Fully adjusted models identified small but statistically significant differences in BMD, ranging from 1.8% to 4.0% for low copper intakes and 1.4% to 4.0% for low selenium intakes. Low dietary intakes of copper and selenium were both independently associated with lower BMD, at least in this sample of women. The results contribute to the evidence base for informing dietary recommendations for these trace elements with respect to their contributions to optimal bone health.

(1) Background: Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of vascular death worldwide. High urinary phosphate has recently been identified as a cardiovascular risk factor, but its role has not been fully established. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between urinary phosphate and subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid, femoral as well as coronary territories; (2) Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 1169 middle-aged men, aged 50.9 years (SD 3.7), without previous cardiovascular disease, belonging to the Aragon Workers Health Study (AWHS). Urinary phosphate was analyzed in urine samples using the Fiske-Subbarow method. The presence of carotid plaque and femoral plaque was assessed by ultrasound and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) by computed tomography. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical data were collected at annual medical examinations. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the prevalence of adjusted atherosclerosis in the different vascular arteries; (3) Results: A significant inverse association was observed between urinary phosphate and subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid [OR 95% CI 0.69 (0.49-0.99)] and coronary (CACS > 200) [OR 95% CI 0.46 (0.23-0.88)] arteries; however, no statistically significant association was found between urinary phosphate and the presence of atheroma plaques in the femoral territory [OR 1.02 (0.72-1.45)]; (4) Conclusions: In middle-aged men, a higher urinary phosphate concentration is associated with a lower prevalence of subclinical carotid and coronary atherosclerosis compared with those with a lower urinary phosphate concentration.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a complex disease with increasing global incidence and prevalence. Although dairy consumption has been linked to various chronic diseases, its relationship with IBD remains uncertain. Additionally, there is a lack of data on this topic from Arab countries. This study aimed to investigate the association between dairy consumption and IBD through a case-control study among Arab populations, followed by a meta-analysis of available studies., Method: First, we used data from 158 UC patients, 244 CD patients, and 395 controls attending a polyclinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All participants were aged ≥ 18 years. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of UC and CD for individuals who reported the highest versus the lowest frequencies of dairy consumption. Next, we conducted a meta-analysis, combining our results with those from other eligible studies after searching several databases. We used the I 2 statistics to examine statistical heterogeneity across studies and the regression test for funnel plot asymmetry to assess publication bias., Results: The case-control study showed a negative association between frequent dairy consumption and UC (OR (95% CI) = 0.64 (0.41, 1.00)) but not CD (OR (95% CI) = 0.97 (0.65, 1.45)). In the meta-analysis, the highest frequencies of dairy consumption were negatively associated with both UC and CD: ORs (95% CIs) = 0.82 (0.68, 0.98) and 0.72 (0.59, 0.87), respectively. A moderate heterogeneity across studies was noticed in the UC meta-analysis ( I 2 = 59.58%) and the CD meta-analysis ( I 2 = 41.16%). No publication bias was detected., Conclusions: Frequent dairy consumption could protect against the development of UC and CD, suggesting potential dietary recommendations in the context of IBD prevention.

Promoting optimal nutrition in pregnant and lactating women is crucial for maternal and infant health. This study evaluated their nutritional status and dietary habits, assessing macro and micronutrient intake based on recommendations. A descriptive study with Spanish participants examined social, obstetric, dietary, and anthropometric data using quantitative and qualitative methods. The analysis of fatty acids by gas chromatography revealed significant variability, with notable deviations in specific fatty acids like C:10:0 and C:12:0. Despite some differences, the overall composition aligns with standards. During pregnancy, 53.8% consumed five meals/day. Grilling (92.3%) and baking (76.9%) were common. Food consumption frequency differed from recommendations. Lactating mothers' mean energy intake was 2575.88 kcal/day ± 730.59 standard deviation (SD), with 45% from carbohydrates and 40% from lipids, including 37.16 g ± 10.43 of saturated fatty acids. Diets during pregnancy lacked fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and cereals. Lactating mothers partially met nutritional objectives, with an energy distribution skewed towards lipids and deficiencies in calcium, iodine, vitamin D, E, and folic acid. Promoting proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is essential to safeguard health and prevent chronic diseases.

The aims of this research were to evaluate the current nutritional status, dietary intake, and level of physical activity and assess the need for intervention. This was a cross-sectional study with 2724 participating children aged 6-9 years old. Nutritional status was assessed using nutrimetry, dietary intake with a 3-day food-recall questionnaire and physical activity with an ad hoc questionnaire. The nutricode with the highest prevalence was healthy weight/normal stature, with 51.3% of the sample. For the BMI for age Z-score, those in the overweight/obesity category represented 37.5% of the sample, while the thinness category included 7.6%. Intake of calories, proteins, sugar, lipids, SFA, MUFA, and cholesterol were significantly higher than recommended. The thinness groups consumed a significantly higher amount of excess calories while the overweight/obesity groups had the lowest mean excess calorie intake. Children in the thinness category presented the highest rates at both ends of the spectrum for sedentary activities. This study showed the high prevalence of malnutrition in schoolchildren. The results for the risk of thinness and overweight/obesity according to individual nutrient intake should be carefully interpreted. Lifestyle is a fundamental aspect to consider when combating malnutrition, especially at the level of dietary and physical activity habits, to combine various methods of intervention to improve nutritional status.

Air pollution significantly impacts cardiovascular health, yet pollution reduction strategies in cardiovascular disease prevention remain limited. Dietary flavonoids show promise in protecting cardiovascular health, but their potential to mitigate air-pollution-induced risks is unexplored. This study investigates this research gap. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, literature from 2014-2024 was searched across MedLine/PubMed, ScienceDirect, and MDPI databases. Of 463 identified studies, 53 were eligible for analysis based on PICO criteria. Findings revealed significant impacts of air pollution on cardiovascular health, including increased disease risks and mortality. Flavonoid intake demonstrated protective effects against these risks. Flavonoid mechanisms include improved endothelial function, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, blood pressure regulation, antiplatelet effects, cardioprotection, and enhanced lipid and glucose metabolism. Higher flavonoid intake was consistently associated with reduced cardiovascular risks. While reducing pollution remains crucial, promoting flavonoid-rich diets is a promising complementary strategy. Public health initiatives should raise awareness about these benefits. Further research on direct interactions between flavonoid intake and air pollution exposure is needed. Current evidence supports integrating dietary interventions into broader strategies to reduce air pollution's cardiovascular impacts.

The aim of our cross-sectional and longitudinal study is to assess the relationship between daytime and night-time sleep duration and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with metabolic syndrome after a 1-year healthy lifestyle intervention. Analysis of the data from 2119 Spanish adults aged 55-75 years from the PREDIMED-Plus study was performed. Sleep duration was assessed using a wrist-worn accelerometer. HRQoL was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. Linear regression models adjusted for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and morbidity were developed. In cross-sectional analyses, participants with extreme night-time sleep duration categories showed lower physical component summary scores in Models 1 and 2 [β-coefficient (95% confidence interval) <6 h vs. 7-9 h: -2, 3 (-3.8 to -0.8); p = 0.002. >9 h vs. 7-9 h: -1.1 (-2.0 to -0.3); p = 0.01]. Participants who sleep less than 7 h a night and take a nap are associated with higher mental component summary scores [β-coefficient (95% confidence interval) 6.3 (1.3 to 11.3); p = 0.01]. No differences between night-time sleep categories and 12-month changes in HRQoL were observed. In conclusion, in cross-sectional analyses, extremes in nocturnal sleep duration are related to lower physical component summary scores and napping is associated with higher mental component summary scores in older adults who sleep less than 7 h a night.

The effect of dietary fiber intake on mental health is controversial. This study aimed to examine the association of fiber intake with mental health in Korean adults. This cross-sectional study included 11,288 participants aged ≥40 years who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (2004-2013). Fiber intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and categorized into sex-specific quintiles. Multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between the lowest quintile of fiber intake and poor mental health. Mental health was assessed using acute stress perception, the Psychosocial Well-Being Index-Short Form, self-rated health, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale in Korea. Compared to those with higher fiber intake, having the lowest quintile of fiber intake was associated with higher odds of poor mental health risk, a higher risk of high-stress perception, poor psychosocial distress in males, poor psychosocial distress, and depression in females. Low fiber intake had profound negative mental health effects on males with high total energy intake and females with low total energy intake. In conclusion, there is a gender difference in the impact of total energy intake on the deleterious effect of low fiber intake on mental health.

Background: There is growing evidence indicating that environmental endocrine disruptors may influence the development of prostate cancer. Despite this, the connection between BPA and PSA levels is still not fully understood and appears intricate. In this study, we aimed to assess the link between BPA exposure and PSA levels using data from the NHANES database., Methods: We conducted a weighted linear regression, logistic regression analysis, natural cubic spline (NCS), subgroup analysis, and interaction analysis on 2768 participants. Urinary BPA was considered the independent variable, while PSA was the dependent variable., Results: In the study, the average age of the participants selected was 62.70 years (±12.93). Age was negatively correlated with BPA, while PSA and BMI were positively correlated with BPA concentration (all of the p -value < 0.05). In the fully adjusted model, the weighted linear and logistic regression results showed that BPA was positively correlated with PSA and prostate cancer. NCS analysis results show that BPA and PSA have a non-linear relationship. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses showed similar results. In addition, there were interactions between BPA and age, PIR, education, HbA1c, high-density lipoprotein, smoking status, and Diabetes., Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between urinary BPA and PSA in older American males, especially when the BPA concentration was higher than 4.46 ng/mL. In future practical applications of prostate cancer screening, it is crucial to focus on individuals aged 75 years and older, as well as those with a PIR between 0 and 1, non-Hispanic black, and other risk groups to provide reference values for the primary and secondary prevention of prostate cancer.

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing. While calcium and sodium are known nutritional factors used for managing MetS, few studies have focused on food-based analyses. This cross-sectional study examined the distribution of calcium- and sodium-rich food intake among Koreans with MetS., Methods: This cross-sectional analysis evaluated 130,423 participants from the Health Examinees-Gem cohort study. Foods contributing up to 90% of the calcium and sodium intake were selected from the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and consumption levels were calculated. MetS was defined as satisfying three or more criteria from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. The results are presented as odds ratios (OR) with an interquartile range (OR IQR ) and 95% confidence interval., Results: Participants with MetS showed a low calcium intake (OR IQR = 0.95 and 0.92 for men and women, respectively), low consumption of dairy products (OR IQR = 0.92 and 0.89), beverages except for coffee or green tea (OR IQR = 0.97 and 0.96), and bread (OR IQR = 0.96 and 0.94). Men with MetS consumed high total sodium (OR IQR = 1.04), and large amounts of Kimchi (OR IQR = 1.03), fermented paste (OR IQR = 1.04), and noodles (OR IQR = 1.07). Women with MetS consumed more Kimchi than those without MetS (OR IQR = 1.04). The odds ratio for the low calcium and high sodium group compared to the high calcium and low sodium group was 1.26., Conclusion: The MetS group consumed less calcium-rich foods and more sodium-rich foods than those without MetS. Patients with MetS might benefit from precise recommendations of high calcium-rich and low sodium-rich foods.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to explore sleep patterns and the potential relationship between sleep and tryptophan intake among Spanish university students. A total of 11,485 students self-reported their sleep and dietary patterns and habits. Tryptophan intake was calculated using a food intake matrix and results were presented as quartiles of total intake. Short sleep duration prevalence was 51.0%, with males exhibiting a significantly higher frequency. A total of 55.0% of participants presented inadequate sleep efficiency, with males again presenting a higher rate. Median tryptophan intake was 692.16 ± 246.61 mg/day, 731.84 ± 246.86 mg/day in males and 677.24 ± 244.87 mg/day in females ( p = 0.001). Dietary tryptophan intake below the first quartile (<526.43 mg/day) was associated with a higher risk of short sleep duration in males (1.26; 95%CI: 1.02-1.55) and females (1.19; 95%CI: 1.05-1.34) and with the Athens Insomnia Scale insomnia in males (2.56; 95%CI: 1.36-4.82) and females (1.47; 95%CI: 1.10-2.05). Regarding academic specializations, females in the humanities field showed a higher risk of Athens Insomnia Scale insomnia due to low tryptophan intake (Q1: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.04-9.55 and Q2: 3.41; 95%CI: 1.01-11.5). In summary, lower tryptophan consumption appears to be associated with poorer sleep quality in Spanish university students; however, other social factors affecting students may also influence sleep quality. These findings have important implications for nutritional recommendations aimed at enhancing tryptophan intake to improve sleep quality.

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a higher risk of multiple diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential association between predicted levels of serum 25(OH)D and the risk of new-onset hypertension in a large Mediterranean cohort. A validated 136-item food frequency questionnaire was used as the dietary assessment tool. 25(OH)D serum levels were predicted using a previously validated equation. We performed Cox regression models to analyze the association between predicted serum 25(OH)D and the risk of hypertension, according to quartiles of forecasted vitamin D at baseline, after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Over a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 2338 new cases of hypertension were identified. The analyses revealed a significant inverse association between predicted serum levels of 25(OH)D at baseline and the risk of hypertension. Individuals in the highest quartile showed a 30% relatively lower risk of hypertension compared to the lowest quartile (hazard ratio (HR): 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-0.80, p -trend < 0.001). The outcomes remained significant after performing sensitivity analyses. The findings suggested that higher levels of forecasted vitamin D are inversely and independently associated with the risk of incident hypertension, implying that vitamin D may offer protective benefits against the disease.

Introduction: The exposome concept includes nutrition as it significantly influences human health, impacting the onset and progression of diseases. Gluten-containing wheat products are an essential source of energy for the world's population. However, a rising number of non-celiac healthy individuals tend to reduce or completely avoid gluten-containing cereals for health reasons., Aim and Methods: This prospective interventional human study aimed to investigate whether short-term gluten avoidance improves cardiovascular endpoints and quality of life (QoL) in healthy volunteers. A cohort of 27 participants followed a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) for four weeks. Endothelial function measured by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), blood testing, plasma proteomics (Olink ® ) and QoL as measured by the World Health Organisation Quality-of-Life (WHOQOL) survey were investigated., Results: GFD resulted in decreased leucocyte count and C-reactive protein levels along with a trend of reduced inflammation biomarkers determined by plasma proteomics. A positive trend indicated improvement in FMD, whereas other cardiovascular endpoints remained unchanged. In addition, no improvement in QoL was observed., Conclusion: In healthy individuals, a short-term GFD demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects but did not result in overall cardiovascular improvement or enhanced quality of life.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of infertility, with an estimated worldwide prevalence between 5% and 15%. We conducted a case-control study with 121 PCOS patients and 155 controls to assess the association between coffee intake and the presence of having a diagnosis of PCOS in women in Murcia, Spain. The PCOS diagnosis was determined following Rotterdam criteria (the presence of two of the following three conditions: hyperandrogenism, oligo-anovulation, and/or polycystic ovarian morphology). Coffee consumption was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multiple logistic regression. Coffee consumption was categorized into never, less than one cup per day, one cup per day, and two or more cups per day. We found a significant inverse linear trend: the higher the coffee consumption, the lower the probability of having PCOS in multivariable analysis ( p -trend = 0.034). Women who presented with PCOS were less likely to drink one cup of coffee compared to those who had never drunk coffee (OR = 0.313, 95% CI: 0.141-0.69). The consumption of at least one cup of coffee per day may be associated with a decrease in PCOS symptoms.

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association of various aspects of physical activity, including intensity, duration, type, and purpose, with the phase angle (PhA), an objective indicator of health, in Korean adults after stratification by sex. Data from the 2022 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationwide, representative, population-based survey, were used. In total, 3996 participants were included in the study. Participants self-reported their weekly intensity, frequency, duration of engagement in physical activity. PhA was categorized into two groups on the basis of sex-specific averages. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between physical activity and PhA, and proportional odds logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between physical activity and different subclasses of PhA. A positive association was found between sufficiently active aerobic physical activity and PhA compared with inactive physical activity (sufficiently active, male: odds ratio = 1.952, 95% confidence interval = 1.373-2.776; female: odds ratio = 1.333, 95% confidence interval = 1.019-1.745). This association was further strengthened when aerobic physical activity was accompanied by muscle-strengthening activity (sufficiently active with muscle-strengthening activity, male: aOR = 2.318, 95% CI = 1.512-3.554; female: aOR = 1.762, 95% CI = 1.215-2.556) and vigorous-intensity activities (sufficiently active with sufficient vigorous-intensity activity, male: aOR = 2.785, 95% CI = 1.647-4.709; female: aOR = 2.505, 95% CI = 1.441-4.356) and when there was more leisure-time physical activity than occupational physical activity (sufficiently active with more leisure-time physical activity, male: aOR = 2.158, 95% CI = 1.483-3.140; female: aOR = 1.457, 95% CI = 1.078-1.969). Furthermore, the inclusion of muscle-strengthening activity made a significant difference in the values of PhA for males with insufficiently active physical activity (aOR = 2.679, 95% CI = 1.560-4.602). For females with highly active physical activity (aOR = 1.521, 95% CI = 1.068-2.166), the inclusion of muscle-strengthening and vigorous-intensity activities were significantly associated with higher values for PhA. This study can be utilized to provide specific suggestions for better health programs and can change perception that only occupational physical activity is enough. This study also indicated that PhA can be used for personalized health assessments.

Background: The COVID-19 lockdown represented an immense impact on human health, which was characterized by lifestyle and dietary changes, social distancing and isolation at home. Some evidence suggests that these consequences mainly affected women and altered relevant ongoing clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status and changes in diet, physical activity (PA), sleep and self-reported health status (SRH) as perceived by older adult men and women with metabolic syndrome during the COVID-19 lockdown., Methods: We analyzed data from 4681 Spanish adults with metabolic syndrome. We carried out a telephone survey during May and June 2020 to collect information on demographics, dietary habits, PA, sleep, SRH and anthropometric data., Results: The mean age of participants was 64.9 years at recruitment, and 52% of participants were men. Most participants (64.1%) perceived a decrease in their PA during confinement. Regarding gender-specific differences, a higher proportion of women than men perceived a decrease in their PA (67.5% vs. 61.1%), Mediterranean diet adherence (20.9% vs. 16.8%), sleep hours (30.3% vs. 19.1%), sleep quality (31.6% vs. 18.2%) and SRH (25.9% vs. 11.9%) (all p < 0.001)., Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown affected women more negatively, particularly their self-reported diet, PA, sleep and health status.

In Europe, sports food supplements (SSFs) are subject to specific laws and regulations. Up to 70% of athletes are highly influenced by the information on the label or the advertisement of the SSF, which often does not correspond to the scientific evidence, such as health claims. The aim is to analyze such claims relating to sports drinks (SDs) in commercial messages. To this end, an observational and cross-sectional study was conducted based on the analysis of the content and degree of adequacy of the health claims indicated on the labelling or technical data sheet of the SDs with those established by the European legislation in force according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The SSFs were searched for via Amazon and Google Shopping. A total of 114 health claims were evaluated. No claim fully conformed with the recommendations. A total of 14 claims (n = 13 products) almost conformed to the recommendations; they were "Maintain endurance level in exercises requiring prolonged endurance", "Improve water absorption during physical exercise", and "Improved physical performance during high intensity, high duration physical exercise in trained adults", representing 12.3% of the total (n = 114). The vast majority of the claims identified indicated an unproven cause-effect and should be modified or eliminated, which amounts to food fraud towards the consumer.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the nutritional quality of mid-afternoon snacks for schooled children aged 3 to 12 years in three areas of Catalonia (Spain)., Methods: A descriptive observational study collected information on habits and the mid-afternoon snack of 782 schooled children aged 3 to 12 years in three cities, Barcelona, Girona, and Lleida, located in Catalonia (Spain). The children's families voluntarily agreed to complete an online questionnaire that collected information about demographic data and snacking habits in the afternoon, as well as a record of mid-afternoon snack intake over three school days., Results: A total of 2163 mid-afternoon snacks were analyzed from a sample of 764 families with 3 to 12 year-old children. Sandwiches emerged as the most prevalent choice, accounting for 41.89%, followed by pastries at 23.86%, fruit at 14.38%, and a combination of fruit and pastries at 6.29%. Of the mid-afternoon snacks recorded, 22.19% were healthy, 20.90% were quite healthy, 12.85% were quite unhealthy, and 44.06% were unhealthy., Conclusions: The nutritional quality of mid-afternoon snacks for a large majority of schooled children should be improved. It is essential to develop food education programs to improve the quality of this intake from early childhood and to consider it as an opportunity to adjust the daily dietary requirements of Spanish children.

Stroke is the world's second-leading cause of death. Current treatments for cerebral edema following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) mainly involve hyperosmolar fluids, but this approach is often inadequate. Propolis, known for its various beneficial properties, especially antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, could potentially act as an adjunctive therapy and help alleviate stroke-associated injuries. The chemical composition of Geniotrigona thoracica propolis extract was analyzed by GC-MS after derivatization for its total phenolic and total flavonoid content. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the propolis extract were 1037.31 ± 24.10 μg GAE/mL and 374.02 ± 3.36 μg QE/mL, respectively. By GC-MS analysis, its major constituents were found to be triterpenoids (22.4% of TIC). Minor compounds, such as phenolic lipids (6.7% of TIC, GC-MS) and diterpenic acids (2.3% of TIC, GC-MS), were also found. Ninety-six Sprague Dawley rats were divided into six groups; namely, the control group, the ICH group, and four ICH groups that received the following therapies: mannitol, propolis extract (daily oral propolis administration after the ICH induction), propolis-M (propolis and mannitol), and propolis-B+A (daily oral propolis administration 7 days prior to and 72 h after the ICH induction). Neurocognitive functions of the rats were analyzed using the rotarod challenge and Morris water maze. In addition, the expression of NF-κB, SUR1-TRPM4, MMP-9, and Aquaporin-4 was analyzed using immunohistochemical methods. A TUNEL assay was used to assess the percentage of apoptotic cells. Mannitol significantly improved cognitive-motor functions in the ICH group, evidenced by improved rotarod and Morris water maze completion times, and lowered SUR-1 and Aquaporin-4 levels. It also significantly decreased cerebral edema by day 3. Similarly, propolis treatments (propolis-A and propolis-B+A) showed comparable improvements in these tests and reduced edema. Moreover, combining propolis with mannitol (propolis-M) further enhanced these effects, particularly in reducing edema and the Virchow-Robin space. These findings highlight the potential of propolis from the Indonesian stingless bee, Geniotrigona thoracica , from the Central Tapanuli region as a neuroprotective, adjunctive therapy.

One-carbon metabolism (OCM) is a complex and interconnected network that undergoes drastic changes during pregnancy. In this study, we investigated the longitudinal distribution of OCM-related metabolites in maternal and cord blood and explored their relationships. Additionally, we conducted cross-sectional analyses to examine the interrelationships among these metabolites. This study included 146 healthy pregnant women who participated in the Chiba Study of Mother and Child Health. Maternal blood samples were collected during early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and delivery, along with cord blood samples. We analyzed 18 OCM-related metabolites in serum using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. We found that serum S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) concentrations in maternal blood remained stable throughout pregnancy. Conversely, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) concentrations increased, and the total homocysteine/total cysteine ratio significantly increased with advancing gestational age. The betaine/dimethylglycine ratio was negatively correlated with total homocysteine in maternal blood for all sampling periods, and this correlation strengthened with advances in gestational age. Most OCM-related metabolites measured in this study showed significant positive correlations between maternal blood at delivery and cord blood. These findings suggest that maternal OCM status may impact fetal development and indicate the need for comprehensive and longitudinal evaluations of OCM during pregnancy., Competing Interests: The research fund for this research was a donation from Amway Japan G.K. The funding company played no role in the design of the study, in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the frequency of household shared meals and the intake of 17 food groups and 21 nutrients. Participants were 3310 men and 3386 women ≥20 years old living in a household of ≥2 members from 2018 and 2019 National Health and Nutrition Surveys in Japan. A one-day household dietary record was used to classify an individual's shared meal frequency and dietary intake. A shared meal is defined as an eating occasion (i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner) where ≥1 food item-other than sugars, fats and oils, beverages, and condiments-was recorded with an assigned approximated shared proportion. The shared meal frequency for each individual was classified into one of four categories: 0, 1, 2, and 3 times/day. Dietary intake was compared across the shared meal categories adjusted for age, occupation, household size, meal skipping, snacking, residential areas, and within-household correlations. Both men and women who had more frequent shared meals showed higher intakes of potatoes, vegetables, mushrooms, and condiments but less confectioneries and beverages. A higher shared meal frequency was also related to a higher intake of many (12/21) nutrients (e.g., protein, dietary fiber, and potassium). However, in women, there was a positive association between shared meal frequency and sodium intake. A higher frequency of household shared meals may be related to a more favorable dietary intake; except for concerns about sodium intake in women.

In Japan, nutritional guidance based on food-recording apps and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) is becoming popular. However, it is not always recognized that different dietary assessment methods have different nutritional values. Here, we compared the compatibility of dietary intake data obtained from an app with those obtained from FFQs in 59 healthy individuals who recorded information regarding their diet for at least 7 days per month using an app developed by Asken (Tokyo, Japan). The diurnal coefficient of variation in total energy and protein intake was 20%, but those for vitamins B 12 and D were >80%, reflecting the importance of 7 days of recording rather than a single day of recording for dietary intake analyses. Then, we compared the results of two FFQs-one based on food groups and one based on a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire-for 7 days, as recorded by the app. There was a correlation coefficient of >0.4 for all the items except salt. Regarding the compatibility between the app and FFQs, the percentage errors for total energy and nutrients were >40-50%, suggesting no agreement between the app and the two FFQs. In conclusion, careful attention should be paid to the impact of different dietary assessment methods on nutrient assessment.

Dietary interventions are a key strategy to promote healthy ageing. Cooking skills training emerges as a promising approach to acquiring and maintaining healthy eating habits. The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a culinary programme to improve healthy eating habits among overweight/obese adults (55-70 years old). A total of 62 volunteers were randomly (1:1) assigned to an culinary intervention group (CIG) or a nutritional intervention group (NIG). Dietary, cooking, and health-related outcomes, including body advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels, were evaluated at baseline and after four weeks. Mixed-effects linear models were used to assess the effects of the interventions within and between groups. Among the 56 participants who completed the trial, CIG participants achieved a significant improvement in Mediterranean diet adherence (1.2; 95%CI, 0.2 to 2.2) and a reduction in the use of culinary techniques associated with a higher AGE formation in foods (-2.8; 95%CI, -5.6 to -0.2), weight (-1.5; 95%CI, -2.5 to -0.5), body mass index (-0.5; 95%CI, -0.8 to -0.2), waist circumference (-1.4; 95%CI, -2.6 to -0.2), and hip circumference (-1.4; 95%CI, -2.4 to -0.4) compared with the NIG participants. Although a greater confidence in cooking in the CIG was found, attitudes and cooking habits did not improve. No significant differences in biochemical parameters or AGEs were found between groups. In conclusion, a culinary intervention could be successful in promoting healthy eating and cooking habits compared to a programme based on nutrition education alone. Nevertheless, further efforts are needed to strengthen attitudes and beliefs about home cooking, to address potential barriers and understand the impact of cooking interventions on biological parameters. Larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to evaluate the relationship between cooking, diet, and health.

Background: Variants in fat mass and the obesity-associated protein ( FTO ) gene have long been recognized as the most significant genetic predictors of body fat mass and obesity. Nevertheless, despite the overall evidence, there are conflicting reports regarding the correlation between different polymorphisms of the FTO gene and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, it is unclear whether FTO influences metabolic syndrome (MetS) through mechanisms other than BMI's impact. In this work, we aimed to analyze the impact of the following FTO polymorphisms on the BMI as well as MetS components in a population of young adult men., Methods: The patient group consisted of 279 Polish young adult men aged 28.92 (4.28) recruited for the MAGNETIC trial. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), located in the first intron of the FTO gene, were genotyped, and the results were used to identify "protective" and "risk" haplotypes and diplotypes based on the literature data. Laboratory, as well as anthropometric measurements regarding MetS, were performed. Measured MetS components included those used in the definition in accordance with the current guidelines. Data regarding dietary patterns were also collected, and principal components of the dietary patterns were identified., Results: No statistically significant correlations were identified between the analyzed FTO diplotypes and BMI ( p = 0.53) or other MetS components (waist circumference p = 0.55; triglycerides p = 0.72; HDL cholesterol p = 0.33; blood glucose p = 0.20; systolic blood pressure p = 0.06; diastolic blood pressure p = 0.21). Stratification by the level of physical activity or adherence to the dietary patterns also did not result in any statistically significant result., Conclusions: Some studies have shown that FTO SNPs such as rs1421085, rs1121980, rs8050136, rs9939609, and rs9930506 have an impact on the BMI or other MetS components; nevertheless, this was not replicated in this study of Polish young adult males.

(1) Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The aim of the study was to examine the existing published results of the association between elevated serum phosphate concentrations and cardiovascular mortality, along with the CVD incidence and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, in primary prevention among non-selected samples of the general population. (2) Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out using literature obtained from PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Web Of Science until March 2024 and following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant information was extracted and presented. Random and fixed effects models were used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with their 95% coefficient interval (CI), and I 2 was used to assess heterogeneity. (3) Results: Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis (11 cross-sectional and 14 cohort studies). For cardiovascular mortality, which included 7 cohort studies and 41,764 adults, the pooled HR was 1.44 (95% CIs 1.28, 1.61; I 2 0%) when the highest versus the reference level of serum phosphate concentrations were compared. For CVDs, which included 8 cohort studies and 61,723 adults, the pooled HR was 1.12 (95% CIs 0.99, 1.27; I 2 51%). For subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, which included 11 cross-sectional studies and 24,820 adults, the pooled OR was 1.44 (95% CIs 1.15, 1.79; I 2 88%). (4) Conclusions: The highest serum phosphate concentrations were positively associated with a 44% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.

Undernutrition among under-fives is one of the major public health challenges in Tanzania. However, there are limited studies assessing the contribution of cultural-related strategies in the prevention of child undernutrition in Tanzania. This study aimed at exploring participants' experiential views regarding developing culturally sensitive strategies for the elimination of child undernutrition for under-fives in Rukwa, Iringa, Ruvuma, Songwe and Njombe regions located in the Southern Highlands in Tanzania. This study applied focus group discussions (FGDs) with forty practitioners to explore culturally-sensitive strategies for effectively preventing child undernutrition in Tanzania. The study participants were purposively selected, and thematic analysis was used to identify themes within the data. This study revealed that district- and lower-level administrative systems should prioritize nutrition interventions in their plans, allocating adequate resources to implement culturally sensitive nutrition interventions, while national-level organs need to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure the availability of funds, skilled human resources and a legal framework for the effective implementation and sustainability of nutrition interventions at the district- and lower-levels. This study highlights that for the successful implementation of culturally sensitive strategies towards the elimination of child undernutrition, there is a need to use a systems approach that allows for collaborative governance whereby different sectors act together to address the persistent malnutrition epidemic.

This study explored the relationship between the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This cross-sectional study included 34,174 Korean adults. The KHEI was composed of three subcomponents (adequacy, moderation, and energy balance) and calculated based on a 24 h dietary recall. The total score ranged from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a greater adherence to the Korean dietary guidelines. The total KHEI scores were categorized into quartiles (Q1-Q4). NAFLD was classified using the hepatic steatosis index. Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The adjusted OR (95% CI) of NAFLD was 0.95 (0.87-1.03) for the Q2 group, 0.90 (0.83-0.98) for the Q3 group, and 0.79 (0.72-0.87) for the Q4 group, compared with the Q1 group. Among the subcomponents of the KHEI, individuals with high scores in the adequacy component, characterized by an abundant consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, exhibited the most pronounced association with NAFLD. A higher KHEI score was negatively associated with NAFLD in Korean adults. Therefore, the promotion of healthy dietary patterns can play a beneficial role in the prevention or management of NAFLD.

Temporary employment is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. This study explored the association between temporary employment and dietary quality in middle-aged workers. This cross-sectional study included a nationwide sample of middle-aged Korean workers (n = 6467). Employment type was categorized into regular, fixed-term, and daily employment, based on labor contract duration. Dietary quality was assessed using the Korean Health Eating Index (KHEI), which ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating superior dietary quality. Linear regression was used to estimate beta coefficients ( β ) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The survey-weighted proportion of regular, fixed-term, and daily employment was 79.0%, 14.2%, and 6.8%, respectively. Fixed-term and daily employment were associated with a reduced KHEI compared with regular employment ( β [95% CI]: -1.07 [-2.11, -0.04] for fixed-term and -2.46 [-3.89, -1.03] for daily employment). In sex-stratified analysis, the association between temporary employment and dietary quality was more pronounced in men ( β [95% CI]: -1.69 [-3.71, 0.33] for fixed-term and -2.60 [-4.63, -0.53] for daily employment than in women. In conclusion, this study suggests that temporary employment is a social determinant of dietary quality in middle-aged workers.

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.

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, η 2 = 0.17). No group effects were detected in exercise-induced muscle damage ( p = 0.371, η 2 = 0.010) and oxidative status ( p = 0.632, η 2 = 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, η 2 = 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.

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.

Background: Plant-based diets are not inherently healthy. Similar to omnivorous diets, they may contain excessive amounts of sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, or lack diversity. Moreover, vegans might be at risk of inadequate intake of certain vitamins and minerals commonly found in foods that they avoid. We developed the VEGANScreener, a tool designed to assess the diet quality of vegans in Europe., Methods: Our approach combined best practices in developing diet quality metrics with scale development approaches and involved the following: (a) narrative literature synthesis, (b) evidence evaluation by an international panel of experts, and (c) translation of evidence into a diet screener. We employed a modified Delphi technique to gather opinions from an international expert panel., Results: Twenty-five experts in the fields of nutrition, epidemiology, preventive medicine, and diet assessment participated in the first round, and nineteen participated in the subsequent round. Initially, these experts provided feedback on a pool of 38 proposed items from the literature review. Consequently, 35 revised items, with 17 having multiple versions, were suggested for further consideration. In the second round, 29 items were retained, and any residual issues were addressed in the final consensus meeting. The ultimate screener draft encompassed 29 questions, with 17 focusing on foods and nutrients to promote, and 12 addressing foods and nutrients to limit. The screener contained 24 food-based and 5 nutrient-based questions., Conclusions: We elucidated the development process of the VEGANScreener, a novel diet quality screener for vegans. Future endeavors involve contrasting the VEGANScreener against benchmark diet assessment methodologies and nutritional biomarkers and testing its acceptance. Once validated, this instrument holds potential for deployment as a self-assessment application for vegans and as a preliminary dietary screening and counseling tool in healthcare settings.

There is growing evidence linking gut microbiota to overall health, including obesity risk and associated diseases. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SKO-001, a probiotic strain isolated from Angelica gigas , has been reported to reduce obesity by controlling the gut microbiome. In this double-blind, randomised clinical trial, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SKO-001 in reducing body fat. We included 100 participants randomised into SKO-001 or placebo groups (1:1) for 12 weeks. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to objectively evaluate body fat reduction. Body fat percentage ( p = 0.016), body fat mass ( p = 0.02), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels ( p = 0.025), and adiponectin levels ( p = 0.023) were lower in the SKO-001 group than in the placebo group after 12 weeks of SKO-001 consumption. In the SKO-001 group, the subcutaneous fat area ( p = 0.003), total cholesterol levels ( p = 0.003), and leptin levels ( p = 0.014) significantly decreased after 12 weeks of SKO-001 consumption compared with baseline values. Additionally, SKO-001 did not cause any severe adverse reactions. In conclusion, SKO-001 is safe and effective for reducing body fat and has the potential for further clinical testing in humans.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake with the incidence of glaucoma in a large sample of Spanish university graduates followed prospectively., Methods: Prospective cohort study using data from the SUN Project. A final sample of 19,225 participants (60.1% women) was included in this study, with a mean age of 38.2 years (standard deviation (SD) = 12.4). Participants were followed-up for a mean time of 12.9 years (SD = 5.4). Dietary intake was measured using a 136-item semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. UPFs were defined based on the NOVA classification system. Glaucoma diagnosis was determined by asking the participants if they had ever been diagnosed with glaucoma by an ophthalmologist. This self-reported diagnosis of glaucoma has been previously validated., Results: After adjusting for several covariates, participants with the highest UPF consumption were at higher risk of glaucoma (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 3.17) when compared to participants in the lowest category of UPF consumption. Regarding subgroup analyses, a significant multiplicative interaction was found for age ( p = 0.004) and omega 3:6 ratio ( p = 0.040). However, an association between UPF consumption and glaucoma was only found in older participants (aged ≥ 55 years), in men, in the most physically active group, in the group of non- or former smokers, in those with a lower omega 3:6 ratio, and in those with a lower energy intake. Regarding the contribution of each type of UPF group, UPF coming from sweets showed a significant risky effect (HR = 1.51; CI 95% 1.07 to 2.12)., Conclusions: This prospective cohort study shows that participants with a greater UPF consumption have a higher risk of developing glaucoma when compared to participants with a lower consumption. Our findings emphasize the relevance of monitoring and limiting the consumption of UPFs as a means of preventing glaucoma incidence.