BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage destruction and persistent low-grade inflammation, in which extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis plays a pivotal role. Although oyster hydrolysate (OH), derived from Crassostrea gigas (Magallana gigas), is rich in bioactive peptides and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its effects on the pathogenesis of OA have not yet been studied. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of OH using in vitro and in vivo OA models. MATERIALS/METHODS:To evaluate the protective effects of OH against OA-associated inflammation and ECM degradation, an in vitro inflammatory model was established by stimulating human chondrosarcoma SW1353 cells with interleukin (IL)-1β, followed by assessment of inflammatory and ECM-related proteins. In vivo, OA was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) into the knee joints of Sprague-Dawley rats, and arthritis-related histological, molecular, and biochemical biomarkers were analyzed in joint tissues and serum. RESULTS:In vitro, OH reduced IL-1β-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and downregulated ECM-degrading enzymes, including a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-5, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, and MMP-13, but preserved the expression levels of anabolic proteins, such as aggrecan and collagen II. These effects were associated with the suppression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, and nuclear factor κB cells signaling pathways. Consistently, oral administration of OH for 14 days alleviated joint swelling, preserved proteoglycan content, and improved the histological Osteoarthritis Research Society International scores in MIA-induced OA rats. OH treatment also reduced the cartilage expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and MMPs and serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, leukotriene B4, MMP-9, C-reactive protein, and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. CONCLUSION:Overall, our results suggest that OH attenuates OA progression by modulating inflammatory signaling and restoring ECM homeostasis, highlighting its potential as a marine-derived candidate for OA prevention and therapy.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Hyperuricemia is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. This study investigated the dietary factors associated with the serum uric acid (SUA) levels in Korean women. SUBJECTS/METHODS:This study analyzed the data from the 2016-2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including 4,201 women aged 19-64 yrs. The dietary intake was assessed using a single 24-h dietary recall, and the SUA levels were categorized into quartiles. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between the nutrient and food group intake and the SUA levels after adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS:Higher intakes of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were significantly associated with elevated SUA levels, whereas carbohydrate intake had a significant inverse association with the SUA levels. Dietary fiber intake was lower in the highest SUA quartile than in the lowest quartile, but dietary fiber was not independently associated with the SUA levels after a full adjustment. At the food group level, higher intakes of meat and high-purine seafood were positively associated with the SUA levels, whereas the grain intake showed an inverse association. CONCLUSION:Higher SUA levels may be associated with dietary patterns characterized by an increased intake of fats, particularly SFA and MUFA derived from animal-based foods, rather than the isolated effects of individual fatty acids. Carbohydrate- and grain-based dietary components may play a protective role in uric acid metabolism. Considering the link between elevated SUA and the chronic disease risk, dietary management focusing on overall dietary patterns rather than single nutrients may be an important preventive approach. Further prospective cohort studies will be needed to confirm the causal relationships between diet and the SUA levels in the general Korean population.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:The importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management in the food service industry is increasing as value-based consumption emphasizing the climate crisis and social values expands. This study empirically investigated the structural relationship between university students' sustainable consumption tendencies and their lunchbox-purchase behavioral intentions through the mediation of the perceived importance of ESG management. SUBJECTS/METHODS:An online survey was conducted among 285 university students in the Gyeongsangnam-do region. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping techniques to verify the mediating effects. RESULTS:Hypothesis testing showed that sustainable consumption tendency had a significant positive effect on the perceived importance of ESG management (β = 0.544, P < 0.001). The perceived importance of ESG management was a key determinant directly influencing purchase behavioral intentions (β = 0.482, P < 0.001). Furthermore, mediation analysis confirmed that a tendency toward sustainable consumption had a significant indirect effect on purchase behavioral intentions through the perceived importance of ESG management (β = 0.308). CONCLUSION:The perceived importance of ESG management may serve as a mechanism linking university students' sustainable consumption tendency to their lunchbox-purchase behavioral intentions. These findings suggest that lunchbox companies should communicate concrete ESG practices, such as environmental protection, healthy meal offerings, and transparent nutrition and product information, to support healthier and more sustainable food choices.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Adolescence is a critical period for developing healthy oral habits and preserving permanent teeth, which largely determine oral health throughout life. This study investigated the association between water intake and oral disease-related symptoms among Korean adolescents based on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption. SUBJECTS/METHODS:The Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (18th to 20th) was used, and 159,383 adolescents were analyzed in this study. Daily water intake was categorized as ≤ 2, 3-4, or ≥ 5 cups/day whereas SSB consumption was categorized as 0, 1-2, 3-4, or ≥ 5 times/week. Oral disease-related symptoms include tooth fractures, tooth pain during drinking or eating, aching or throbbing toothache, and gingival bleeding. Stratified analyses, adjusted for sociodemographic, health behavior, and dietary behavior variables, were performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for oral disease-related symptoms according to their daily water intake within each SSB consumption category, using the ≥ 5 cups/day group as a reference. RESULTS:Compared with adolescents with the highest water intake, those with the lowest water intake had higher odds of at least one oral disease-related symptom when they consumed SSB 1-2 times/week (aOR, 1.134; 95% CI, 1.065-1.207; P < 0.001) or 3-4 times/week (aOR, 1.107; 95% CI, 1.044-1.174; P = 0.002). However, no significant differences were observed among those who consumed SSB 0 times/week and ≥ 5 times/week. CONCLUSION:Low water intake was associated with a higher prevalence of at least one oral disease-related symptom among Korean adolescents consuming SSB 1-4 times per week. Further research using objective oral health outcomes (e.g., actual caries treatment) is needed to better clarify the association between water intake, SSB consumption and oral health.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Chronic high-fat diet (HFD) consumption induces low-grade intestinal inflammation. Although saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJs) have anti-inflammatory properties, the mechanisms by which they mitigate HFD-induced jejunal inflammation remain unclear. This study examined whether SPJs alleviate inflammation by modulating lipid metabolism and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in the jejunum. MATERIALS/METHODS:HFD-fed mice were administered high-dose SPJs extract. The jejunal triglyceride (TG) levels, gene expression related to TG synthesis (glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 3 [Gpat3] and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 [Dgat2]) and lipolysis (adipose triglyceride lipase [Atgl]), cytosolic lipid droplets (CLDs) deposition, ERS markers, and inflammatory responses were assessed. RESULTS:HFD feeding induced TG accumulation, upregulated Gpat3 and Dgat2, downregulated Atgl, and promoted CLDs deposition in jejunal epithelial cells. High-dose SPJs attenuated these changes. Furthermore, SPJs suppressed HFD-induced ERS and inflammation in the jejunum. In particular, short-term HFD exposure initially enhanced the antioxidant responses without significant ERS activation. CONCLUSION:SPJs ameliorate HFD-induced jejunal inflammation by modulating lipid metabolic genes, reducing intracellular lipid accumulation, and alleviating ERS. These findings highlight the role of lipid-driven ERS in gut inflammation and the potential of SPJs as a therapeutic intervention.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Depressive symptoms are a multifactorial global mental health issue. B-vitamin intake is associated with mental and neurological health, but the association between B-vitamin-related dietary patterns and depressive symptoms remains unclear. This study examined the association between B-vitamin-related dietary patterns and depressive symptoms. SUBJECTS/METHODS:Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2018. Reduced rank regression (RRR) was used to derive the dietary patterns, with 6 energy-adjusted B-vitamin intakes (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12) as response variables. Both predictor food groups and B-vitamin response variables were energy-adjusted before RRR using the residual method. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for the sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related confounders. RESULTS:A total of 31,037 participants were included in the analytic sample for dietary pattern derivation and association analyses. The identified dietary pattern was characterized by the higher consumption of milk, soy products, whole grains, dark green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, and fruit, and lower consumption of added sugar, solid fat, and alcoholic drinks. In the fully adjusted model, each 1 SD increase in the dietary pattern score was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (aOR, 0.856; 95% CI, 0.802-0.913). Compared with the lowest quartile (Q1), participants in the highest quartile (Q4) had significantly lower odds (aOR, 0.668; 95% CI, 0.571-0.781; P for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION:Higher scores for the B-vitamin-related dietary pattern were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms among United States adults. These findings suggest that B-vitamin-related food patterns may be relevant to depressive symptoms, but causality cannot be inferred from this cross-sectional study. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Interest in food insecurity (FI) has intensified amid global efforts to address dietary and nutritional issues. Food literacy (FL) has emerged as a key competency for promoting healthy eating behaviors and potentially mitigating FI. This systematic review synthesized evidence on the relationship between FL and FI by summarizing their definitions and components, comparing measurement tools, and examining overall trends and characteristics of their association. MATERIALS/METHODS:This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework. Studies examining FL and FI as primary variables were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Nine studies published between 2019 and 2025 were included. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI checklists, and findings were synthesized narratively due to study heterogeneity. RESULTS:The included studies employed cross-sectional, quasi-experimental (pre-post), mixed-methods, and cluster randomized controlled designs. FI was primarily assessed using definitions proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization or the United States Department of Agriculture. FL was commonly measured using frameworks based on Vidgen and Gallegos (2014). Most cross-sectional studies reported an inverse relationship between FI and FL. However, one cross-sectional study found no significant relationship, suggesting that sociocultural and economic factors may influence this association. Intervention studies generally showed improvements in FL and reductions in FI or related behaviors. CONCLUSION:Most studies indicated that individual FL levels were associated with FI status. In some studies, this relationship appeared to be influenced by sociodemographic, economic, and cultural factors, although these findings were not consistently reported. The findings suggested that combining FL education with structural strategies may more effectively alleviate FI. Future research should use standardized measurement tools and longitudinal or randomized controlled designs to clarify the observed associations and potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between FL and FI.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy worldwide and continues to account for significant cancer-associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the anti-cancer effects of estradiol (E2), a female hormone, and β-carotene (BC), a dietary antioxidant, focusing on their roles in promoting apoptosis and regulating the expression of BC-related metabolic enzymes in human colon cancer cells. MATERIALS/METHODS:E2, BC, and a combination of both were administered to 2 human colon cancer cell lines, HCT116 and HT29. Cell survival was analyzed using the MTT assay. Expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), β,β-carotene-15',15'-monooxygenase 1 (BCMO1), β,β-carotene-9',10'-oxygenase 2 (BCO2), and apoptosis-related markers such as Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) and Bax (pro-apoptotic) was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction or Western blotting. RESULTS:E2 treatment decreased cell viability in both cell lines, indicating that E2 promotes anti-cancer effects. BC treatment modestly increased E2 secretion, while the combined E2 and BC treatment enhanced this effect. Treatment with E2, BC, and their combination suppressed Bcl-2 expression and upregulated Bax. The combination treatment was more effective than each treatment administered individually. Furthermore, treatment with E2, BC, and their combination upregulated the expression of ERβ, BCMO1, and BCO2. CONCLUSION:The anti-cancer effects of E2, BC, and their combination are mediated through apoptosis induction. These findings highlight the potential for utilizing dietary antioxidants and hormonal regulation as complementary strategies in CRC treatment.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:This study investigated the 10-yr trends in sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption among Koreans. SUBJECTS/METHODS:Data from the 2014-2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, including 62,887 participants, were analyzed. SSBs consumption was assessed as the number of servings per day using a 24-h dietary recall. The proportions (%) of individuals consuming SSBs ≥ 1 and ≥ 2 servings/day were reported. The energy and sugar intakes from SSBs were evaluated. These analyses were also conducted separately among SSBs consumers only (n = 33,396). The trends in SSBs consumption over time were assessed using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS:Over 2014-2023, SSBs consumption showed decreasing trends among individuals aged 19-29 yrs, from 1.30 servings/day (SE = 0.10) to 0.92 servings/day (SE = 0.08), and those aged 30-49 yrs, from 1.20 servings/day (SE = 0.05) to 0.90 servings/day (SE = 0.05) (P-trends < 0.001). Among SSBs consumers only, a significant decline was observed among children aged 6-8 yrs, from 1.57 servings/day (SE = 0.17) to 1.54 servings/day (SE = 0.15), but no significant changes were observed in other age groups. From 2014 to 2023, the percentage of individuals consuming SSBs ≥ 1 serving/day decreased from 41.4% to 36.3% among the study subjects aged 19-29 yrs, and from 43.6% to 35.2% among those aged 30-49 yrs, but SSBs consumers aged 30-49 yrs showed an increasing trend (from 65.3% to 68.3%) (P-trends < 0.05). In the total subjects, the energy and sugar intakes from SSBs showed decreasing trends among adults (P-trends < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in children and adolescents. CONCLUSION:These findings highlight the age-specific consumption trends of SSBs among Koreans and underscore the importance of continued monitoring of SSBs consumption.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Excessive intake of iodine and selenium is increasingly recognized as a potential public health concern in populations undergoing dietary transition, yet integrated evidence linking food-based exposure, biomarkers and thyroid function remains limited. This study evaluated dietary iodine and selenium exposure and examined their association with thyroid function in healthy adults in Halabja City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, using a combined dietary and biomarker approach. SUBJECTS/METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 healthy adults (18-60 yrs) from Halabja City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire combined with a total diet study approach, in which composite food samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Urinary iodine (iodine-to-creatinine ratio), serum selenium and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured. Multivariable regression models were used to examine associations between iodine intake and TSH after adjustment for demographic and nutritional covariates. RESULTS:Mean iodine and selenium intakes were 206.99 µg/day and 291.14 µg/day, respectively. Cereal and cereal-based foods were the major contributors to both iodine and selenium intake, accounting for 65.97% and 68.82% of total intake, respectively. Biomarker findings indicated adequate-to-high iodine and selenium status at the population level. Most participants remained within the euthyroid range, and dietary iodine intake was not independently associated with TSH after multivariable adjustments. CONCLUSION:This study suggests novel evidence that staple-based dietary patterns can drive excessive iodine and selenium exposure in adults. Although no independent association between dietary iodine intake and TSH was observed after multivariable adjustment, most participants remained within the euthyroid range, suggesting possible physiological adaptation; however, subclinical effects cannot be excluded. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring iodized salt practices and dietary exposure pathways in populations with reliance on staple foods, and demonstrate the value of integrating total diet study methodology with biomarker assessment into nutritional surveillance.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:This study examined the effects of barley sprout supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism, and on the changes in the gut microbiota in high-fat-fed ovariectomized (OVX) rats. MATERIALS/METHODS:Female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 weeks (14 with an ovariectomy and 12 without) were assigned to one of 4 experimental groups: Sham-operated control group fed a high-fat diet (Sham-C; n = 6), Sham-operated group fed a high-fat diet with 2% barley sprout supplementation (Sham-B; n = 6), OVX control group fed a high-fat diet (OVX-C; n = 7), and OVX group fed a high-fat diet with 2% barley sprout supplementation (OVX-B; n = 7). RESULTS:After diet administration for 7 weeks, the OVX-B group showed lower serum fasting glucose and total cholesterol levels than the OVX-C group. Taxonomy analysis revealed significantly lower abundance of the gut microbial families Clostiridiaceae and species Enterococcus hirae and higher abundance levels of gut microbial species Clostridium saudiense in the OVX-B group than in the OVX-C group. The Principal Coordinates Analysis plot for the β-diversity assessment showed that the OVX-C group had a different gut microbiota structure than the Sham-C group. The OVX-B group formed a different microbiota structure from that of the OVX-C group, while the distribution of the OVX-B group overlapped with the regions of the Sham-C and Sham-B groups; its centroid shifted toward the Sham-B group. CONCLUSION:Barley sprout supplementation might improve glucose and lipid metabolism by modulating the gut microbiota in OVX female rats fed a high-fat diet.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a promising dietary strategy to improve the metabolic parameters associated with obesity, but its potential benefits in obesity linked to nighttime light exposure remain largely unclear. This study examined whether chronic light exposure alone, or in combination with TRF, modulates brown adipose tissue (BAT) in lean and obese mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet (LFD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for six weeks, and were assigned to one of three experimental conditions for an additional 6 weeks: control light exposure, continuous 24-h light exposure, or 24-h light exposure combined with TRF. This yielded 6 experimental groups: LC, L24h, L24hT, HC, H24h, and H24hT. RESULTS: Histological analyses showed that chronic light exposure alone induced BAT whitening, characterized by lipid droplet accumulation and structural disorganization, even in LFD-fed mice. This whitening occurred without a decrease in uncoupling protein 1 mRNA and protein levels, suggesting mechanisms independent of thermogenic suppression. Instead, lipid accumulation and elevated Lep mRNA expression were associated with increased expression of various inflammatory markers (Adgre1, Itgax, and Pycard) and F4/80-positive macrophage infiltration. Importantly, TRF intervention attenuated BAT whitening and markedly suppressed the inflammatory responses, restoring the tissue structure and reducing macrophage infiltration, particularly in HFD-fed mice. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that TRF may have clinical implications for obese night workers by preventing BAT from shifting toward an inflammatory and metabolically dysfunctional phenotype associated with nighttime light exposure.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most frequent and serious complications of diabetes mellitus. A low-protein diet supplemented with an α-ketoacid diet (LPD-KA) is a crucial intervention for individuals with chronic kidney disease. Nevertheless, the effects and mechanism of LPD-KA in DN remain unclear. MATERIALS/METHODS:Db/db mice were randomly assigned into three groups: normal protein diet (NPD), low-protein diet (LPD), and LPD-KA groups, with db/m mice fed with NPD as the Control (Cont) group. PAS and Masson staining were performed after detecting the weight, blood glucose, and renal biochemical indicators. 16S rRNA sequencing and Urine metabolomics were conducted. RESULTS:LPD-KA for DN mice improved the renal tissue damage and fibrosis, with lower body and kidney weights, blood glucose, urinary glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, 24-h urine microalbumin, and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c levels. Compared to the NPD group, LPD-KA increased relative abundance of Firmicutes/Bacteroides, f_Lachnospiraceae, g_Akkermansia, g_Clostridium, g_Staphylococcus, g_Enterococcus, and f_Enterococcaceae. Moreover, LPD-KA altered urinary metabolomics, including up-regulation of nephroprotective differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) L-histidinol and gluconolactone, and down-regulation of nephrotoxic DEMs 2-ketobutyric acid, dihydrocortisol, citramalic acid, and L-erythrulose, which were enriched in the protein digestion and absorption and tyrosine metabolism pathway. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed strong correlation between the crucial genus flora (Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Adlercreutzia, Rikenella, and Clostridium) and the above metabolites. CONCLUSION:LPD-KA modulated the intestinal flora and urinary metabolism to attenuate DN progression, with Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, Bacteroides, L-histidinol, gluconolactone, 2-ketobutyric acid, and dihydrocortisol as potential biomarkers, providing new insights into the clinical application of LPD-KA for DN treatment.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Food literacy (FL) and food security are key factors influencing healthy eating and dietary diversity. This study examined whether FL moderates the relationship between food security and dietary diversity score (DDS) among adults in Seoul. SUBJECTS/METHODS:Data were obtained from the 2021-2023 Seoul Food Survey and included 8,248 adults aged 18-64 yrs. The DDS was calculated based on daily intake from 5 food groups (0-5 points). Food security was classified as secure or insecure. FL was assessed using a 33-item scale across nutritional and safety, cultural and relational, and socioecological domains. Participants were grouped into three FL levels. χ2 tests, t-tests, analysis of variance, and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS:Food-secure participants had significantly higher DDS (2.47 vs. 2.22, P < 0.001) and FL scores (64.03 vs. 60.85, P < 0.001), including all subdomains. The DDS gap between the secure and insecure groups was the largest among those with low FL (2.32 vs. 1.74, P < 0.001), narrowing with higher FL. In contrast, among adults with high FL, the food-insecure group showed a higher DDS than the food-secure group. A significant interaction was found between FL and food security on DDS (P for interaction < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, the highest FL group had greater odds of high DDS (odds ratio, 2.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.84-2.43; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:FL moderates the relationship between food security and dietary diversity, with this association varying across FL levels. FL education may improve diet quality, particularly in food-insecure populations.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Neck circumference (NC) is recognized as a useful indicator of chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Despite its extensive use abroad, it is not yet widely used in Korea. Possible sarcopenia is defined as either low muscle strength or low physical performance. This study aimed to determine the optimal NC cut-off value for early screening of possible sarcopenia as an assessment tool for the effective prevention and management of sarcopenia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In our cross-sectional study, we analyzed the data of 200 participants aged 50-79 yrs to determine the NC cut-off value for possible sarcopenia, as defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. RESULTS: In women, NC positively correlated with calf circumference, a diagnostic item for sarcopenia, in the 50-64-yrs (r = 0.585, P < 0.001) and 65-74-yrs (r = 0.465, P = 0.029) age groups. Possible sarcopenia was significantly associated with NC according to univariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses. The optimal cut-off value for NC associated with an increased risk of possible sarcopenia was 36.9 cm in women. CONCLUSION: NC is a potentially useful early screening tool for possible sarcopenia in individuals aged > 50 yrs, thereby helping delay the progression to sarcopenia.
BACKGROUNDS/OBJECTIVES: Child growth is affected by genetics, nutrition, physical activity, and environmental factors. Despite the improvements in average height among Korean children due to better socioeconomic and nutritional status, safe and effective growthpromoting interventions are still needed for children with mild short stature. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of fermented oyster extract (FGO) supplementation in children aged 6 to 9 yrs with heights between the third and 25th percentiles for age and gender. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects received FGO (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) once daily (500 mg/day) for 24 weeks. This study evaluated the height growth, bone age (BA), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD) for the efficacy of FGO and sex hormones, including estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, for its safety. Finally, 66 children (33 each in the FGO and placebo group) completed the study. No significant baseline differences existed between the 2 groups. RESULTS: After 24 weeks, the FGO group showed significant improvements in height, height SD score, and height velocity (all P < 0.001). BA and BA delay improved significantly in the FGO group (P = 0.024 and P = 0.035). The FGO group showed significantly greater changes in the IGF-1 and urine DPD levels (P = 0.010 and 0.001, respectively). The GH and IGFBP-3 concentrations increased in the FGO group, but the difference between the two groups was not significant. No serious adverse events or increase in sex hormones were observed after FGO supplementation, assuring its safety. CONCLUSION: FGO may be a safe and effective health supplement ingredient for height growth in children, irrespective of gender. Future studies will need to evaluate the long-term effects of FGO and its applicability across various populations.
BACKGROUND:Long-term health effects of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCSs) have not been established. OBJECTIVE:This review aimed to evaluate the associations between different types of LNCSs and a wide range of health outcomes from observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS:We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from inception to December 2024 for meta-analyses. LNCSs were categorized into artificial sweeteners and other non-sugar sweeteners (NSSs), including non-nutritive sweeteners and sugar alcohols, along with their corresponding beverages. The A Measurement Tool Assessment Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) tool was used in this study. The credibility of observational evidence was evaluated using a classification system. The certainty of evidence from RCTs was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Eligible meta-analyses were reanalyzed using random-effects models and presented as estimated odds ratios (eOR) or standard mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS:A total of 29 meta-analyses (AMSTAR 2: high, 22; moderate, 2; low, 3; and critically low, 2) with 24 observational studies and 6 RCTs, covering 50,034,327 participants, were included. Among the 135 associations, observational studies indicated that higher intake of NSSs was associated with increased risk of being overweight (eOR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.61; credibility of evidence [CE], IV), having metabolic syndrome (eOR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.42; CE, I), type 2 diabetes (eOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.29; CE, IV), and hypertension (eOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.19; CE, II). In contrast, RCTs showed that NSS consumption significantly decreased body weight in populations with overweight or obesity (SMD, -0.50; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.30; GRADE, high). CONCLUSIONS:Our findings indicate that the use of LNCSs and their corresponding beverages is associated with potential health risks and modest benefits. Trial Registration:International Prospective Registration of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) Identifier: CRD420251006761.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Maintaining muscular power is essential for preventing sarcopenia and ensuring optimal physical performance. Although inadequate vitamin D levels and environmental pollutants are increasingly recognized as threats to musculoskeletal integrity, their synergistic impact has not been fully established. This study examined how the vitamin D status and atmospheric contaminants independently and collectively influence the prevalence of suspected sarcopenia, defined strictly as low handgrip strength. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis included 20,304 individuals from the Health Examinees cohort using baseline data. Vitamin D insufficiency was categorized as circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations below 20 ng/mL. Residential address-linked data were used to estimate the annual mean exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Possible sarcopenia was distinguished from clinically diagnosed sarcopenia by relying solely on gender-specific low grip strength cut-offs, according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia guidelines. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the associations, and the interaction terms were included to evaluate the effect modification according to the vitamin D status. RESULTS: Suboptimal vitamin D levels were widespread in the cohort (65.0%) and strongly correlated with increased pollutant exposure. After accounting for all potential confounders, elevated PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 levels were associated with reduced serum 25(OH)D levels and a greater likelihood of suspected sarcopenia. Significant interplay was detected between PM2.5 exposure and the vitamin D status, suggesting a combined effect on muscle health (Pfor interaction = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency and air pollution exposure are independently associated with possible sarcopenia. In particular, PM2.5 and a vitamin D deficiency exhibit a synergistic adverse association. These findings suggest that adequate vitamin D levels may be protective against pollution-associated declines in muscle strength, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies to explore integrated nutritional and environmental prevention strategies.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Marine healing is an integrative program that uses marine resources to alleviate physical and psychological discomforts; however, studies on its effects on serum metabolites are limited. We hypothesized that a short-term marine healing and additional sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida) intake would affect serum metabolites in women, with effects varying by age. SUBJECTS/METHODS:Thirty young (mean age: 20.2 ± 1.8) and 22 older women (mean age: 53.6 ± 4.6) participated in a 5-day marine healing program involving exercise and mind-body practices. Women were randomly assigned to a balanced control diet or one supplemented with sea mustard. The latter group also consumed sea mustard noodles for 14 days after completing the program. An additional city control group without intervention served as a control for older women (n = 20). Fasting serum was analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and changes were compared between treatment groups according to age. RESULTS:Serum triglyceride, fatty acid, and lactate decreased immediately after marine healing, with additional sea mustard intake resulting in increased serum 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate levels. When categorized by age, the effect of sea mustard intake on serum lipid metabolites were highly evident in older women. Serum amino acids increased in both age groups after marine healing regardless of sea mustard intake; however, few changes persisted through day 20. CONCLUSION:Short-term marine healing can influence lipid and amino acid metabolism, with additional intake of sea mustard enhancing lipid oxidation and energy metabolism especially in older women. Trial Registration:Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0003307, KCT0004025.
BACKGROUND:Artificial sweeteners are widely used as sugar substitutes to reduce sugar intake and mitigate health risks. However, their potential long-term health effects remain uncertain as existing studies have reported inconsistent findings. OBJECTIVE:This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between artificial sweetener intake and the risk of cardiometabolic outcomes and mortality. METHODS:Studies were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed and Embase up to October 8, 2025. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing the highest and lowest artificial sweetener consumption categories were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS:In total, 3,625,613 participants from 37 studies were included. Higher artificial sweetener intake was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14-1.40), hypertension (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.09-1.18), heart failure (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14-1.39), stroke (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.19), coronary artery disease (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.00-1.23), cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.35), and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17). The association with atrial fibrillation was not significant (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.94-1.37). Significant heterogeneity was observed for all endpoints except for stroke and heart failure. CONCLUSIONS:This meta-analysis demonstrates that a higher intake of artificial sweeteners is associated with an increased risk of several cardiometabolic outcomes and mortality. These findings underscore the need for cautious consumption and further research into their cardiometabolic effects. Trial Registration:International Prospective Registration of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) Identifier: CRD420251020488.
