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Addressing global food waste is a formidable challenge, requiring comprehensive efforts across the food supply chain, particularly in sectors prone to waste like HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering). In MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) tourism, where gastronomy is a major attraction, overlooked meal services during working meetings contribute significantly to food waste. The MagNuS (Magnitude, Nutritional value, and Sustainability) project aims to assess and address food waste during conference events at the Valencia Conference Center in Spain. This study quantifies waste, categorizes it by food groups, estimates the potential number of individuals that could be fed with discarded food, and assesses energy and nutritional values. Across three events, 104.4 kg of food waste was documented, with cereals having the highest wastage, followed by legumes, fish, and others. Acknowledging potential underestimation due to reliance on cooked values, this study suggests using residues for vermicomposting or composting as sustainable waste management alternatives. These findings have implications for future initiatives, advocating diverse strategies to minimize food waste during congress events, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. The MagNuS project contributes valuable insights to sustainable practices in MICE tourism, informing policies and operational decisions to reduce the environmental impact of food waste.

The relationship between obesity and weight loss treatments has run parallel throughout history; however, not all diets are suitable for improving one’s health. This review aims to categorize diets according to the new classification of hazardous diets established in 2021. A search was conducted across grey, white, and black literature. The results reveal a study of 179 diets, of which 35 are effective, while the rest are hazardous to health. Looking at the geographical distribution of these diets, the USA, the UK, and Greece dominate the top three spots. The geographic distribution of diets is linked to cultural and environmental factors, with influencers often playing a predominant role. Additionally, the lack of legislative oversight on emerging diets is a noteworthy concern, highlighting the need for regulatory measures to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals engaging in such dietary practices. Regarding the creators of these weight loss treatments, it is noteworthy that only 7.8% are nutrition specialists, all of whom fall under the effective diets category. This demonstrates that healthy treatments and nutritionists are the best combination for losing weight and improving health.

Exercise can disrupt the fluid balance, hindering performance and athlete health. Limited data exist on fluid balance responses in varying climates, sexes, and ages. This study aimed to measure and compare fluid balance and urine values among elite soccer players during training at high and low temperatures, examining the differences between sexes, playing positions, and competitive levels within men’s soccer. During the 2022–2023 competitive season, a descriptive observational study was conducted on 87 soccer players from an elite Spanish soccer team. The study found that none of the groups exceeded weight loss values of 1.5% of their body mass. Additionally, the soccer players studied experienced higher weight loss, fluid intake, and a higher sweat rate (SR) during summer training compared to winter training. During the summer, male U23-21 soccer players exhibited higher levels of weight loss, fluid intake, and a higher SR compared to female soccer players or the U19-17 male category. No significant differences were found between playing positions. In conclusion, differences in the fluid balance were observed based on the climatic conditions, competitive level, and sex.

In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in the search for natural radioprotectors that can be used to mitigate the effects of radiation on patients, healthcare personnel, and even for space travel. This narrative review covers the past fifty years and focuses on herbal preparations of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines that have the potential to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of radiation. Our findings highlight ten herbal preparations, namely Abana, Amalakyadi Churna, Amritaprasham, Brahma, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (BZYQT), Chyavanaprasha, Cystone, Geriforte, Mentat, and Triphala, which have demonstrated potential radioprotective effects. This review examines their composition, properties, and possible mechanisms of action in relation to their radioprotective properties. Exploring the ethnobotany of traditional Asian medicine is particularly interesting as it may lead to the discovery of new active compounds with radioprotective properties.

Lately, we've witnessed the emergence of obesity as a prominent concern for public health and the economy. This issue commands serious attention, impacting millions worldwide, particularly in the most developed nations. Practical approaches to tackling obesity involve tailored physical activity and dietary interventions overseen by qualified healthcare professionals. Nonetheless, some individuals opt for quicker routes, embracing dietary regimens that promise rapid and effortless weight reduction yet lack substantiated scientific backing. Given the potential hazards these approaches pose to well-being, this calls for immediate address, occasionally leading to unexpected and severe consequences. In this review, we aim to analyze the curiosities of popular diets embraced by adults from the 1960s to the present day, including the scientific justification that supports or contradicts their effectiveness.

Soccer is a sport practiced worldwide by both men and women, where nutrition plays a fundamental role in the performance of soccer players, providing them with the nutrients necessary for energy, muscle recovery and injury prevention. The aim of this study is to describe the dietary habits in elite soccer players and their association with their competitive level, playing position and sex. A descriptive and non-experimental comparative study was conducted during the 2021–2022 competitive season. A total of 105 players belonging to a Spanish elite soccer team completed a food frequency questionnaire (FCFQ). It was observed that male players presented a higher consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods (p < 0.05), fermented foods (p = 0.014), frozen foods (p = 0.049) and red meat (p = 0.012) compared to female players, with the exception of lean meats, which were higher in females (p = 0.012). Furthermore, the U16-15 categories stand out for consuming carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta (p = 0.000), bread (p = 0.004) and sweets (p = 0.046), as well as frozen foods (p = 0.002). Finally, alcohol consumption is higher in the senior categories (42.9%), where men are more likely to drink mixed drinks (6.2%), and beer and wine by women (10.7%). Practically no differences were found between the playing positions. In conclusion, differences were found in FCFQ according to competitive level and sex.

Propolis is a natural bee-produced substance with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, containing some components from the leaves, buds and resins of plants. It has been used for centuries for various health benefits. In this manuscript, our group reviewed the radioprotective effect of propolis using PubMed and Embase, and our review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Finally, 27 articles were included in this review, which includes the radioprotective effect of propolis from cell-based studies (n = 8), animal models (n = 14), and human trials (n = 5). Results reflected that the dosage forms of propolis extracted in the scientific literature were ethanolic extracts of propolis, a water-soluble derivate of propolis, or capsules. The efficacy of the radioprotective properties from propolis is extracted from the bibliography, as several compounds of this resinous mixture individually or synergistically are possible candidates that have the radioprotective effect. In fact, studies prior to 2011 lacked a comprehensive characterization of propolis due to the variability in active compounds among different batches of propolis and were limited to analytical techniques. Furthermore, in this manuscript, we have selected studies to include primarily propolis types from Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, European countries, and those commercialized in Spain. They all contained ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and were influenced by different dosage forms. EEP showed a significant presence of lipophilic bioactive compounds like flavones, flavonols, and flavanones.

The performance of male soccer players (MSPs) depends on multiple factors, such as body composition. It is understandable to think that, due to the physical demands and specific functions during play, body composition may vary depending on the playing position. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe the anthropometric, BC, and somatotype characteristics of professional MSPs and to compare the reported values according to playing position. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science following the PRISMA statement. Random-effects meta-analysis, a pooled summary of means, and 95% CI (method or equation) were calculated. Random models were used with the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method. Twenty-six articles were included in the systematic review and the meta-analysis. After comparing the groups according to the playing position (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward), significant differences were found in age, height, weight, the sum of skinfolds, kilograms of muscle mass, and kilograms of fat-free mass (p = 0.001; p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in fat mass, percentage of fat-free mass, percentage of muscle mass, bone mass, and somatotype. Despite the limitations, this study provides useful information to help medical–technical staff to properly assess the BC of professional MSPs, providing reference values for the different positions.

The progress of development cooperation has been carried out in the world originally focusing to reduce poverty and to increase the economic growth. Subsequently, the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) resulted in the appearance of the term development cooperation 2.0. However, the use of scientific focus applied in this area is giving rise a new concept called development cooperation 3.0. In this article, we have explained in a practical contribution in a non-governmental development organization (NGDO) starting by its statutes to examples conducted in three countries.

The performance of male soccer players (MSP) depends on multiple factors such as body composition. The physical demands of modern soccer have changed, so the ideal body composition (BC) requirements must be adapted to the present. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe the anthropometric, BC, and somatotype characteristics of professional MSP and to compare the values reported according to the methods and equations used. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science following the PRISMA statement. Random-effects meta-analysis, a pooled summary of means, and 95% CI (method or equation) were calculated. Random models were used with the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. Seventy-four articles were included in the systematic review and seventy-three in the meta-analysis. After comparing the groups according to the assessment method (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, and densitometry), significant differences were found in height, fat mass in kilograms, fat mass percentage, and fat-free mass in kilograms (p = 0.001; p < 0.0001). Taking into account the equation used to calculate the fat mass percentage and ∑skinfolds, significant differences were observed in the data reported according to groups (p < 0.001). Despite the limitations, this study provides useful information that could help medical technical staff to properly assess the BC of professional MSP, providing a range of guidance values for the different BC.

The radioprotective effect ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo of vitamins was reviewed using PubMed and Embase and conducted according to the PRISMA statement. A total of 38 articles were included in this review, which includes the radioprotective effect of vitamins from ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo studies. Vitamins A, C, D and E were used alone, in combination or with other nutritional and non-nutritional compounds. The use of vitamins in natural form or supplementation can be useful to reduce the radiation effect in the body, organs and/or cells. Only four (A, C, D and E) out of thirteen vitamins have been detected with radioprotective properties being mainly vitamin E followed by vitamin C, A and D.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the main bacterial cause of dehydrating infant diarrhoea in less-developed countries. Labile toxin (LT) is the major virulent factor of ETEC. Easy diagnostic tests are necessary to reduce the number of cases. Immunological methods have some drawbacks and also have important limitations. For that reason, a Liquid Chromatography coupled to UV detector technique (LC-UV) has been optimize to a rapid identification and quantification of LT from bacteria cultures. It is also important to know optimal conditions for LT and with this purpose several enterotoxigenic E. coli strains have been studied to determine the influence of glucose concentration and different culture media on LT production. LC-UV technique demonstrated to be a good method for LT quantification showing values of 15 ng/mL and 45 ng/mL for limits of detection and quantification respectively. LT quantification revealed that toxin production is directly related to the concentration of glucose added in the broth medium. Tryptic Soy Broth is the most efficient culture medium for E. coli growth and enterotoxin production.

This study evaluated the presence of bacteria and anisakid parasites in 45 samples of raw anchovies in vinegar, a dish widely eaten in Spain, and in 227 samples of cooked fish and cephalopods served in Spanish food service establishments. Our analysis showed that, according to European and Spanish regulation, 14 to 30% of the prepared fish and cephalopod dishes exceeded the maximum allowable level for mesophilic aerobic counts, and 10 to 40% of these samples exceeded the allowable levels for Enterobacteriaceae. None of the studied samples showed evidence of anisakid parasites, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, or Listeria monocytogenes. These results indicate that application of hazard analysis and critical control points, food safety training courses, and routine inspections in compliance with current European and Spanish legislation help protect consumer health.

Before, during and after physical activity, hydration is a limiting factor in athletic performance. Therefore, adequate hydration provides benefits for health and performance of athletes. Besides, hydration is associated to the intake of carbohydrates, protein, sodium, caffeine and other substances by different dietary aids, during the training and/or competition by athletes. These requirements have led to the development of different products by the food industry, to cover the nutritional needs of athletes. Currently in the European context, the legal framework for the development of products, substances and health claims concerning to sport products is incomplete and scarce. Under these conditions, there are many products with different ingredients out of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) control where claims are wrong due to no robust scientific evidence and it can be dangerous for the health. Further scientific evidence should be constructed by new clinical trials in order to assist to the Experts Commitees at EFSA for obtaining robust scientific opinions concerning to the functional foods and the individual ingredients for sport population., Antes, durante y después de la actividad física, la hidratación es un factor limitante en el rendimiento deportivo. Por lo tanto, una adecuada hidratación proporciona beneficios para la salud y el rendimiento de los deportista. Además, la hidratación se asocia a la ingesta de hidratos de carbono, proteínas, sodio, cafeína y otras sustancias durante el entrenamiento y/o competición de los deportistas. Estos requisitos han llevado al desarrollo de diferentes productos por parte de la industria alimentaria, para cubrir las necesidades nutricionales de los deportistas. Actualmente en el contexto europeo, el marco legal para el desarrollo de productos, sustancias y declaraciones nutricionales y de propiedades saludables relativas a productos deportivos, es incompleta y escasa. Hay muchos productos con diferentes ingredientes controlados por la Agencia Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria (EFSA), los cuales poseen declaraciones nutricionales y de propiedades saludables erróneas, debido a la falta o escasa evidencia científica, resultado peligroso para la salud. Se necesita mayor evidencia científica obtenida a través de nuevos ensayos clínicos con el fin de ayudar a los Comités de expertos de la EFSA para la obtención de dictámenes científicos sólidos relativos a los alimentos funcionales y los ingredientes individuales para la población deportiva.

Con el presente artículo queremos describir mediante una revisión bibliográfica los aspectos que caracterizan los hábitos alimentarios en los deportistas y su relación con la optimización del rendimiento y el mantenimiento del estado de salud del deportista. Los factores que influyen en la educación alimentaria del deportista son varios: hábitos alimentarios de la infancia y adolescencia, suplementación en el deporte, trastornos del comportamiento alimentario y deportistas de alto rendimiento deportivo. Se valora principalmente la ingesta de nutrientes y alimentaria de estos, pero se necesitan conocer sus prácticas alimentarias durante entrenamiento-competición. Cobra importancia las recomendaciones de alimentación no realizadas por dietistas-nutricionistas, sino por padres y/o entrenadores que pueden ser incorrectas y perjudicar al deportista. Por ello, ha de considerar la valoración dietético-nutricional para conocer el contexto social del deportista, ayudándonos a realizar la mejor intervención en la mejora de la salud y rendimiento deportivo mediante la alimentación., In this article, we describe a literature review about the aspects that characterize the food habits in athletes, the athletic performance and the maintenance of health of the athlete. The factors that influence the athlete´s nutritional education are many: food habits of childhood and adolescence, sports supplements, eating disorders and athletes performance. Primarily, the studies evaluated dietary intake of athletes, but they need to know their dietary practices during training and competition. it is important the dietary recommendations carried ??by dietitians-nutritionists, because the recommendations by parents and/or coaches may be incorrect and damaging to the athlete. Therefore, it´s becomes important the dietary assessment to understand the social context of the athlete to make the best intervention to improve health and athletic performance through nutrition., Com esse estudo pretendemos descreve a través de uma revisão bibliográfica os aspectos de caracterizam os hábitos alimentares de esportistas e a relação com a otimização do rendimento esportivo e a manutenção do estado de saúde dos esportistas. Os fatores que influem na educação alimentar dos esportistas são vários: hábitos alimentares na infância e adolescência, suplementação no esporte, transtornos do comportamento alimentar e esportistas de alto rendimento esportivo. Valoriza principalmente a ingestão de nutriente y alimentar de estes, mas necessita conhecer suas praticas alimentares durante o treinamento e competição. Ganha importância às recomendações de alimentação não realizada por nutricionistas, e sim pelos pais ou treinadores que podem ser incorretas ou prejudiciais para o esportista. Para isso, há que considerar a avaliação de um dietético-nutricional para conhecer o contexto social do esportista, com isso ajudar-nos a realizar a melhor intervenção para a melhora da saúde e do rendimento esportivo mediante a alimentação.