Probiotics have increasingly progressed from laboratory research to clinical application, supported by growing evidence demonstrating their potential benefits across multiple neonatal conditions. In 2023, the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association released an evidence-based guideline on pediatric probiotic use; however, comprehensive summaries dedicated specifically to neonates remain scarce despite rapidly expanding clinical utilization in this population. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the role of probiotics in common neonatal disorders and discusses key considerations regarding timing, dosing, and safety. Literature from PubMed and CNKI was examined, prioritizing clinical trials and meta-analyses published in the past five years, with extended inclusion for topics lacking sufficient data. Searches covered probiotics in relation to necrotizing enterocolitis, feeding intolerance, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, respiratory infection, micronutrient metabolism, safety, and mechanisms. A total of 22 reviews/meta-analyses and 51 clinical studies were included. Overall, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are the most frequently used probiotics in neonatal care, with evidence supporting reductions in necrotizing enterocolitis, feeding intolerance, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, hyperbilirubinemia, and potentially sepsis, alongside possible respiratory and micronutrient-related benefits. Although safety profiles are generally favorable, rare instances of probiotic-related sepsis highlight the need for caution. Considerable heterogeneity in strains, dosing strategies, and intervention durations continues to limit interpretation. Further large-scale, rigorously designed randomized trials are required to refine strain selection, validate efficacy, and ensure safety in this highly vulnerable population.
β-cryptoxanthin is a provitamin A xanthophyll carotenoid that is abundant in human circulation, despite being derived from a relatively limited range of dietary sources, primarily citrus fruits, which contain approximately 0.5–10.0 mg per 100 g fresh weight. Owing to the polarity and the frequent occurrence associated with β-cryptoxanthin as esterified forms in foods, β-cryptoxanthin exhibits relatively high bioaccessibility and bioavailability. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence regarding the biochemical characteristics, dietary sources, determinants of absorption, and potential health effects of β-cryptoxanthin, with particular emphasis on bone health and several cancer outcomes. Among the health outcomes examined, the evidence is most consistent for a beneficial role in skeletal health. In contrast, associations with cancer are heterogeneous and appear to depend on cancer type and population characteristics; inverse associations have been reported primarily for cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, whereas most studies show no association with overall cancer incidence or mortality. Nonetheless, further research is required to investigate whether β-cryptoxanthin can be incorporated into evidence-based precision nutrition approaches that account for interindividual variability in metabolism, lifestyle, and disease risk.
The science of nutrition related to sports performance has progressed extensively, particularly in terms of supporting precision sports such as shooting, archery, and electronic sports and games. There is a growing awareness of the critical role that visual function plays in sports performance. This awareness is particularly relevant given the existing empirical evidence that exposure to short-wavelength visible blue light can lead to photo-oxidative stress at the retina. Precision sports athletes frequently encounter this type of light during both training and competition, and factors such as duration and intensity of light exposure impact on performance. In the general population, research on the diet-derived macular carotenoids, including lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ), has demonstrated their ability to combat photo-oxidative stress at the retina. These carotenoids not only act as powerful antioxidants, but also serve as a filter of short-wavelength blue light, thereby enhancing visual functions. Despite this science, there is a lack of robust evidence-based nutritional studies specifically targeting visual performance in athletes. This narrative review examines the biologically plausible scientific rationale supporting the hypothesis that macular carotenoids may enhance sport performance in athletes. To do this, we assessed studies reporting the visual characteristics in vision-dependent performance precision sports, and how performance is linked to specific nutrients of the eye.
The “novelty-as-scarcity” hypothesis proposes that the consumption of novel foods or foods with non-traditional food component ratios, or novel processing methods, are interpreted by the body as fallback foods and produce a false signal of imminent food scarcity, thereby triggering (chronic) fat accumulation. This framework is rooted in the evolutionary principle that the ability to store fat was crucial for survival during periods of unpredictable food availability. Today, this may pose an “evolutionary mismatch”. The paper lists plausible biological mechanisms, from the initial sensing of novel food components to their metabolic effects, that could lead to increased fat accumulation. Observations supporting this hypothesis include weight gain among migrants adopting new dietary habits and rising fattening rates in developing countries with exposure to Westernized foods. The novelty-as-scarcity hypothesis implies that standardized dietary recommendations might be suboptimal if they disregard an individual’s historical dietary background.
Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A (VitA) and carotenoids, are crucial micronutrients with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that mitigate oxidative stress and inhibit cancer progression. Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among women, and the anti-tumor properties of VitA and carotenoids are gaining increasing attention, particularly because BC risk is strongly influenced by lifestyle factors, including unhealthy dietary habits. Although VitA and carotenoids may exert preventive effects on BC development and progression, there is limited evidence supporting the practical application of these micronutrients in the detection and prevention of BC. Mechanistically, high doses of carotenoids reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly or indirectly through the modulation of transcription factors such as NF-κB and Nrf2–, and through activation of nuclear hormone receptor pathways, including like retinoic acid receptors (RAR), retinoid X receptors (RXR), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). These pathways modulate retinoic acid receptor signaling and inhibit oncogenic pathways including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, thereby enhancing apoptosis and suppressing proliferation in BC cells. This review examines the roles of VitA and carotenoids in BC, as well as methods for assessing VitA status. Additionally, this review highlights how genetic variation in the metabolism of VitAand carotenoids is associated with cancer and other pathological conditions. We also discuss how VitA and carotenoids are linked to BC development, how these micronutrients influence cancer-related mechanisms, and how recent advances in clinical research have made VitA and carotenoids promising candidates for BC treatment. This review also underscores the preventive and therapeutic potential of VitA and carotenoids in the initiation and progression of BC.
Background: Currently, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among women of childbearing age. However, the relationship between vitamin D levels and muscle mass reduction in women of childbearing age remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and muscle mass reduction in women of childbearing age. Methods: This study included 3934 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. Weighted linear regression and weighted chi-square tests were used to compare baseline characteristics between groups for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Weighted logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between vitamin D levels and muscle mass reduction. Results: The study population was divided into two groups, 2803 non-muscle mass reduction and 1131 muscle mass reduction participants. The quartile of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM)/body mass index (BMI) for diagnosing muscle mass reduction was determined to be 0.579. Compared with the non-muscle mass reduction group, muscle mass reduction women of childbearing age had a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.001) and lower use of vitamin D supplements (p = 0.018). Serum vitamin D levels in the muscle mass reduction group were significantly lower than those in the non-muscle mass reduction group (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, weighted logistic regression analysis revealed that insufficient (odds ratio (OR) = 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.78, p = 0.042) and deficient (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.16–2.05, p = 0.003) vitamin D levels were still associated with muscle mass reduction. Conclusions: Insufficient and deficient vitamin D levels are associated with muscle mass reduction in women of childbearing age, highlighting the potential role of vitamin D in muscle mass reduction management. Vitamin D supplementation may improve muscle mass reduction in vitamin D-deficient women of childbearing age, and its effectiveness needs to be further verified by randomized controlled trials.
Background: Health and function claims are central to advancing nutrition science and regulatory practice, particularly across Asia, where the harmonization of nutrition labeling standards faces unique and complex challenges. Fragmented national regulatory frameworks, combined with the region’s diverse range of food ingredients and traditional herbal products, have created substantial inconsistencies in scientific evaluation practices and cross-border trade. Objective: To establish a harmonized, evidence-based technical framework for evaluating the scientific evidence underpinning health and function claims for foods and food ingredients. Methods: The Task Force on Health & Function Claims of the Federation of Asian Nutrition Societies (FANS) developed this guideline through a structured process of expert consultation, iterative peer review, and formal consensus building. The framework comprises six core components: (1) core principles; (2) standardized procedures for evidence evaluation; (3) criteria for assessing literature quality; (4) criteria for grading evidence strength; (5) requirements for evidence report preparation and (6) evidence-based recommendations. Results: This guideline defines standardized terminology for health and function claims, establishes core principles for evidence-based nutrition practice, specifies the requirement of qualified evaluator, details comprehensive and replicable literature evaluation procedures, and adopts a four-tiered evidence strength grading system (Grades A–D). It prescribes transparent, verifiable pathways for claim substantiation and periodic re-evaluation to uphold scientific rigor and ensure consumer protection. Conclusions: This guideline aligns with prevailing international standards while being specifically adapted to the Asian regional context. It provides a unified technical framework for the evaluation of health and function claims in Asia. It is designed to facilitate regulatory convergence across the region, safeguard consumer interests, and foster responsible innovation in the functional food sector, while laying a robust foundation for collaborative regional nutritional research and regulatory alignment.
Background: Unfiltered Turkish coffee (UTC) is a traditional drink with high levels of bioactive compounds, but evidence of the associated specific physiological effects is inconclusive, and few studies have examined coffee in general. This pilot study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of daily UTC consumption on cardiovascular parameters, lipid profile, appetite-regulating hormones (leptin, ghrelin), glucose metabolism, inflammatory markers, and sleep quality in healthy young women. Methods: This is a pilot randomized controlled trial that randomly assigned 40 healthy young women (aged 18–25 years) to intervention and control groups at a 1:1 ratio after 3 weeks of caffeine washout. The intervention group consumed three 40 mL cups of traditional-brewed UTC daily for 4 weeks, whereas the controls maintained abstinence from caffeine. The primary outcomes were cardiovascular (blood pressure, heart rate), lipid parameters, and the secondary ones were appetite hormones (leptin, ghrelin), glucose metabolism (markers), inflammatory biomarkers, and sleep quality, which were evaluated at baseline and at week 4. Results: UTC consumption produced significant between-group differences (time × group interactions) compared to controls: systolic blood pressure (+3.0 mmHg; p = 0.025), heart rate (+10.6 bpm; p = 0.007), and insomnia severity scores (+4.05 points intervention vs. –1.00 points control; p ≤ 0.001), while significantly decreasing leptin levels (–0.04 ng/mL; p = 0.014). Significant changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were found (p = 0.002), although high-density lipoprotein (HDL) changes were no longer found significant on baseline correction (p = 0.385). Body composition parameters (body mass index (BMI), body fat mass, fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass) remained unchanged throughout the intervention (all p > 0.05). No significant effects were observed for fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)), or ghrelin (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Four weeks of UTC intake in this pilot trial were associated with variations in several cardiometabolic variables: interventions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (+3.0 mmHg) and heart rate (HR) (+11.9 bpm) resulted in higher LDL levels, reduced leptin levels, and poor sleep quality, independent of body composition alterations. However, since the p-values are nominal and not multiplied by a correction, hypothesis-generating results require verification through properly powered studies. These exploratory findings should be considered by individuals with prior cardiovascular risk factors or sleep disorders when considering the intake of unfiltered coffee. Trial registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07133373, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07133373). Retrospectively registered on 13 August 2025.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Vitamin D is a pleiotropic molecule involved in various physiological processes beyond skeletal health, including immune modulation and metabolic regulation. This prospective observational biomedical study aimed to assess the impact of short-term high-dose vitamin D supplementation on selected metabolic parameters in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations. METHODS:Thirty patients were enrolled and assigned to receive either 10,000 IU/day of cholecalciferol (Group A) or a significantly lower dose (960 IU/day, Group B) for 12 weeks based on recruitment order (odd/even identification numbers). The primary endpoints were changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH), fasting blood glucose (FBG), calcium, phosphorus, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). RESULTS:A strong, statistically significant negative correlation between changes in 25(OH)D and PTH (Spearman r = -0.69052, p = 0.0044) was also observed. In the high-dose group, 25(OH)D increased from 17.2 to 31.8 ng/mL (median change 13.3 ng/mL), while PTH decreased from 3.27 to 2.76 pmol/L (median change -0.27 pmol/L). In the lower-dose group, 25(OH)D increased from 18.5 to 28.2 ng/mL (median change +8.1 ng/mL). The increase in 25(OH)D was significantly greater in the high-dose group than in the lower-dose group (median change +13.3 vs +8.1 ng/mL, p = 0.015). Within the observed range, patients with larger increases in 25(OH)D tended to show greater reductions in PTH. Other metabolic markers (HbA1c, FBG, calcium, and phosphorus) remained stable over 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS:These findings support the effectiveness and safety of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in correcting vitamin D deficiency and reducing PTH levels in patients with T2DM while highlighting the need for longer-term studies to evaluate its broader metabolic effects.
BACKGROUND:Obesity is a major global health concern, highlighting the need for effective nutritional interventions. Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) are rich in α-linolenic acid and have recently attracted attention for potential metabolic benefits. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of chia seed supplementation on obesity-related indicators in a rat model fed a cafeteria diet. METHODS:Three-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 28) were randomly and equally divided into four groups (n = 7 each) and fed the following diets for 15 weeks: control diet (CON), CON with 20% chia seed-supplemented diet (CONC), cafeteria diet (CAF), and CAF with 20% chia seed-supplemented diet (CAFC). Food consumption and body weights were recorded daily. Tissue and plasma samples were collected at the end of the study, and body composition and gene expression levels in white adipose tissues were analyzed. RESULTS:The CAF and CAFC showed significantly higher energy intake (198 ± 7.76 and 199 ± 7.76 kcal/day, respectively) and weight gain (509 ± 46.3 and 500 ± 33.8 g, respectively) compared to CON (all p < 0.001). However, chia seed supplementation did not significantly alter body composition (p > 0.05). Plasma leptin levels differed among groups (p = 0.017), with the CAF promoting higher levels than the CON (6.26 ± 1.78 vs. 1.20 ± 0.26 ng/mL). Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) expression was higher in the CAFC than in the CAF (p < 0.001). Chia seed supplementation significantly decreased uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) expression in the CONC (p < 0.05 vs. CON), and the CAFC showed a trend toward decreased expression (p = 0.053 vs. CAF). Expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) genes was higher in the CON than in the CAF and CAFC (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Chia seed supplementation modified specific gene expression levels, but did not impact primary obesity indicators under obesogenic conditions.
Background: Emerging evidence suggests that Spirulina may reduce inflammation by modulating key cytokines, including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Accordingly, this study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of Spirulina supplementation on serum levels of inflammatory mediators in adults aged 18 years and older. Materials and Methods: Relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were identified through searches of several databases, including the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed up to August 2025. The pooled effects were calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using I-squared statistics and Cochran’s Q test. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The administered dosages of Spirulina varied from 1 g/day to 8 g/day, with intervention durations spanning 3 to 16 weeks. The pooled analysis demonstrated that Spirulina supplementation significantly reduced serum CRP concentrations compared with placebo group (weighted mean difference (WMD): –0.09 mg/L; 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.16 to –0.02). In contrast, Spirulina supplementation caused non-significant reduction in TNF-α concentration (WMD: –0.43 pg/mL; 95% CI: –1.44 to 0.59) and IL-6 (WMD: –0.44 pg/mL; 95% CI: –0.98 to 0.1). However, heterogeneity concerning all inflammatory mediators was significant. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that Spirulina supplementation significantly reduced serum CRP levels, whereas its effects on IL-6 and TNF-α were not statistically significant. Owing to the significant heterogeneity, further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these beneficial effects. PROSPERO Registration: The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024606496).
OBJECTIVE:Neuroinflammation is a chronic disease of the nervous system, and timely prevention and treatment could effectively prevent its progression to severe diseases. Essence of chicken (EC) is a mixture of peptides and amino acids extracted from whole chickens which has been proven to alleviate neuroinflammation and improve cognition. The aim of the present study was to screen for potential peptides possessing excellent effects in alleviating neuroinflammation and to explore their synergistic effects. METHODS:BV2 cells were treated with 0.1, 1, or 10 mM dietary peptides found in EC in the presence of 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 16 h to screen for potent compounds. LPS-treated BV2 cells were then cultured with 0.03 or 0.1 mM potent bioactive compounds alone or in combination with 0.1 mM carnosine (CAR) for 16 h to determine their synergistic effects. These synergistically treated BV2 cells were further cocultured with HT-22 cells for 24 h to clarify their neuroprotective effects. RESULTS:Among the eight bioactives of EC, CAR, pyroglutamic acid (PA), and cyclo(Gly-Pro) exerted notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects on BV2 cells, as evidenced by the downregulation of inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression (10 mM treatment group vs. LPS: p < 0.05), attenuation of the inflammatory pathway (all treatment group vs. LPS: p < 0.05), and increase in activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.01), catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05), and the content of glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.01). The experiment was conducted in triplicate. Interestingly, PA and cyclo(Gly-Pro) showed a marked synergistic effect with CAR on neuroinflammation. For example, the content of inflammation markers, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (CAR + PA vs. CAR: p = 0.030, CAR + cyclo(Gly-Pro) vs. CAR: p = 0.008) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (CAR + PA vs. CAR: p = 0.039, CAR + cyclo(Gly-Pro) vs. CAR: p = 0.020), were decreased markedly. The coculture of BV2 microglia with HT-22 neurons revealed that CAR, PA, and cyclo(Gly-Pro) also worked synergistically to reduce LPS-induced cytotoxicity in BV2 cells to protect the growth of HT-22 cells (all treated groups vs. LPS: p < 0.05). The protective effect of these dietary peptides might be regulated by the Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway-mediated inhibition of apoptosis. CONCLUSION:CAR, PA, and cyclo(Gly-Pro) exhibited potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, suggesting that EC dietary peptides are neuroprotective candidates and that the intake of a mixture rather than individual peptides confers more beneficial effects in maintaining healthy neuron function.
OBJECTIVE:To explore whether vitamin C supplementation in sepsis patients can reduce the occurrence of acute kidney injury. METHODS:A prospective, randomized and controlled pilot trial was conducted. All individuals participating in the study received comprehensive initial treatment for sepsis. This involved monitoring lactate levels, ensuring appropriate fluid resuscitation, administering empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics, and using vasoactive medications, with a preference for norepinephrine. If the norepinephrine dosage exceeded 20 μg/min, vasopressin was introduced at a rate of 0.03 U/min to sustain a mean arterial pressure of at least 65 mmHg. The experimental group was given vitamin C (1.5 g every 6 h by intravenous infusion) for 3 consecutive days, while the control group was given placebo. RESULTS:A total of 40 patients with sepsis were included in the study following application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomized into control (n = 20) and experimental (n = 20) groups. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Among the 40 sepsis patients, 5 (25%) in the experimental group and 14 (70%) in the control group developed acute kidney injury, all of whom required support with continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT). The main site of infection was pulmonary, accounting for 70% of cases in the experimental group and 75% in the control group. The most common pathogenic bacteria were gram-negative bacilli (26/40, 65%). The experimental group had a significantly shorter length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) compared to the control group (11.8 ± 2.7 days vs. 13.9 ± 2.1 days, p = 0.008), less frequent use of vasoactive drugs (35% vs. 75%, p = 0.011), and less frequent need for RRT within 72 h of admission (25% vs. 70%, p = 0.004). However, the mortality rate in ICU was not significantly different (10% vs. 15%, p = 0.633). CONCLUSION:The use of vitamin C in patients with sepsis is associated with a reduced incidence of acute kidney injury, although a larger sample size is required to confirm this finding. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:This trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400093794, https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.html?id=265499&v=1.0).
BACKGROUND:Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is commonly observed in obesity, which may increase morbidity risk. This study explores the effect of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on VD signaling and inflammatory status in diet-induced obese mice. METHODS:Therefore, 5-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned (n = 10/group) to groups that received either a (1) standard purified maintenance AIN-93G control diet (CON), (2) CON + 5% FOS (CON-FOS), (3) high-fat diet (HFD) of which 60% kcal was from fat, or (4) HFD + 5% FOS (HFD-FOS) for 10 weeks. RESULTS:Mice fed an HFD exhibited reduced serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25D) levels (p < 0.01) and a 70% decrease in the expression of colonic vitamin D receptor (Vdr) mRNA (p = 0.018) compared to the mice fed the CON. A 2-fold increase in colonic Vdr mRNA expression was observed in the mice fed the HFD-FOS compared to the HFD (p < 0.01), although the increased FOS did not alter the serum 25D levels in the HFD group. The mRNA and protein expression of colonic Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) was downregulated in the HFD-FOS group compared to the HFD group, which was negatively correlated to colonic Vdr expression (r = -0.747; p < 0.001). Additionally, the addition of FOS resulted in a 44% reduction in circulating proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the HFD group (p < 0.01). The observed upregulation of β-defensin 1 (p = 0.017) and zona-occluden 1 (Zo-1) mRNA expression in mice fed FOS and an HFD compared with the HFD group further suggests that FOS supplementation can improve epithelial barrier integrity in HFD-induced obese mice. CONCLUSIONS:Our data suggest that FOS may be a potential dietary strategy for preventing obesity-induced complications.
BACKGROUND:Icariin (ICA) is a flavonoid, that has been shown to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to explore the effects of acute exhaustive exercise on skeletal muscle injury and inflammatory factor levels, and investigate the anti-injury and anti-inflammatory effects of ICA through gut microbiota modulation. METHODS:Thirty C57BL/6J mice were administered ICA by gavage for 8 consecutive weeks, which were randomly divided into 3 groups as follows: solvent gavage control group (CON), 25 mg/kg ICA gavage group (ICA-L), and 50 mg/kg ICA gavage group (ICA-H). Serum biochemical and skeletal muscle antioxidant indicators were measured. Antioxidant enzyme activities and anti-inflammatory factor levels were determined. Additionally, gut microbiota were sequenced and analyzed by 16S rDNA and the correlations between metabolic indices and microbial species were assessed using Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS:ICA alleviated oxidative stress in skeletal muscle by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and upregulating the activities and mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX)). In addition, ICA suppressed inflammation through downregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)). Gut microbiota analysis revealed ICA enriched short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria while inhibiting pathogens, with microbial shifts significantly correlated with muscle injury and antioxidant parameters, including Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Mucispirillum, and Harryflintia. CONCLUSIONS:Our study demonstrated that ICA ameliorated exercise-induced acute muscle injury and inflammation in mice by modulating gut microbiota composition and regulating NF-κB signaling pathway along with related antioxidant enzyme gene expression.
Background: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationships between gut microbiota compositional alterations and chronic metabolic disorders by analyzing taxonomic diversity, community structure, and species-level differences in individuals with hyperuricemia (HUA) and a history of being overweight. Our findings offer novel insights into microbiota-targeted therapeutic strategies for managing metabolic diseases. A total of 144 participants were recruited and divided into three diagnostic categories: healthy controls (HL, n = 29), hyperuricemia group (HU, n = 24), and overweight (OW, n = 91). Methods: Comprehensive phenotypic profiles and metagenomes were analyzed for fecal samples from the three groups. Results: Significant differences were observed in psychological states and microbial ecology between the metabolic disorder groups (HU and OW) and the control group (HL) (p < 0.05). Both the overweight individuals and those with HUA presented significant changes in gut microbial composition, with reduced α-diversity indices (Shannon index: HU vs HL Mann–Whitney U = 306; p = 0.462; OW vs HL Mann–Whitney U = 1008; p = 0.040; richness index: HU vs HL Mann–Whitney U = 307; p = 0.469; OW vs HL Mann–Whitney U = 1072; p = 0.092) compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, analysis of the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified four discriminatory species in the HU group (Alistipes putredinis, Mediterraneibacter faecis, Streptococcus oralis, and Gemella sanguinis), and five in the OW group (Pantoea endophytica, Pantoea vagans, Phocaeicola coprophilus, Ruminococcus SGB4421, and Klebsiella oxytoca), representing potential biomarkers for the progression of chronic metabolic diseases. Conclusion: This study elucidates the characteristics of overweight individuals and those with HUA in terms of phenotypic features and gut microbiota, providing a theoretical reference for gut microbiota-targeted therapies and lifestyle interventions in chronic metabolic diseases.
BACKGROUND:Hypertension increases cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Magnesium is an important nutrient that promotes vascular function and insulin sensitivity, yet its potential role in managing blood pressure (BP) in patients with T2DM remains unclear. This study evaluates the impact of a magnesium-focused nutrition education intervention on dietary magnesium intake and BP control in patients with T2DM. METHODS:Thirty patients with T2DM (25 women; mean age, 55.7 ± 9.8 years; body mass index, 33.44 ± 7.17 kg/m2) participated in two clinical visits for data collection and BP measurement and received 12 weeks of magnesium-focused nutrition education to promote dietary magnesium intake. RESULTS:The education intervention significantly increased dietary magnesium intake by 81.81 mg (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant changes in systolic or diastolic BP. Analysis showed no significant correlation between dietary magnesium intake and systolic or diastolic BP (p ≥ 0.56). CONCLUSION:While the intervention successfully increased dietary magnesium intake, it did not affect BP. These findings suggest that increasing dietary magnesium intake through nutrition education may not significantly impact BP in individuals with T2DM. However, further research is needed to confirm these results and explore other factors that may influence BP management in this population.
Magnesium is an essential mineral required for energy metabolism, glucose regulation, cardiovascular function, bone integrity, and neural activity. Despite the vital physiological roles of magnesium, , dietary magnesium deficiency remains a widespread and underrecognized global public health concern. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults in the United States is approximately 420 mg/day for men and 320 mg/day for women, yet large proportions of the population fail to meet these levels with national nutrition surveys consistently documenting inadequate intake. For instance, 64.4% of Chinese adults consume less than the estimated average requirement (EAR) of 270 mg/day for both males and females. Globally, an estimated 2.4 billion people, or roughly 31% of the global population, fail to meet the recommended magnesium intake levels. This deficiency reflects multiple converging factors, including modern dietary patterns low in whole grains and vegetables, soil nutrient depletion from intensive agriculture, food processing losses, aged populations, chronic diseases, and socioeconomic disparities. The health implications are substantial, as magnesium deficiency is associated with elevated risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, bone loss, and neuropsychiatric conditions. This review synthesizes current evidence on the biological importance of magnesium, global intake patterns, and determinants of deficiency, and discusses strategic interventions (such as dietary diversification, food fortification, biofortification, supplementation, and public health policies) to enhance magnesium nutrition and reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases worldwide.
The prevalence of liver disease is steadily increasing worldwide. Meanwhile, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally, characterized by the extensive involvement of multiple organs. Currently, the recommended treatment for MASLD is adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and a balanced diet that incorporates plenty of vegetables. In this context, black radish is a cruciferous vegetable rich in glucosinolates, which represent the most beneficial active components. Glucosinolates act by preventing the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and factors related to lipid metabolism, such as fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). There are several other components, such as precursors for glutathione (GSH) synthesis, which regulate liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation, as well as flavonoids, which help ameliorate lipid accumulation and possess antioxidant properties. These preventive health effects contribute to lipid metabolism and cellular energy balance, which, in turn, aid in liver detoxification and preventing diseases. This review aims to assess the biological detoxification mechanisms and effects of black radish in MASLD and related chronic diseases.
BACKGROUND:Phosphorus is an essential component of bone and energy metabolism; however, the mechanism involved in the regulation of phosphorus under postmenopausal conditions remains insufficiently understood. Interestingly, the disruption of estrogen status can alter mineral homeostasis. Meanwhile, phytoestrogens and probiotics may offer a non-pharmacological strategy to support mineral homeostasis; nonetheless, evidence of their impact on phosphorus distribution remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of daidzein, tempeh, and Lactobacillus acidophilus on phosphorus distribution in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS:A total of 64 female Wistar rats were allocated to sham-operated (n = 8) or OVX (n = 56) groups. Following a three-week calcium-deficient diet, the OVX rats were randomized to seven dietary interventions for six weeks: control (O), alendronate (OB), daidzein (10 mg/kg diet/day; OD), tempeh (250 g/kg diet/day; OT), probiotic L. acidophilus (1 × 1010 CFU/day; OL), daidzein + probiotic (ODL), or tempeh + probiotic (OTL). Food intake, body mass, and phosphorus concentrations in feces, the femur, kidney, pancreas, spleen, heart, and liver were analyzed. RESULTS:OVX groups (O, 366 ± 14 g; p = 0.01; OD, 361 ± 18 g; p = 0.02; OL, 358 ± 29 g; p = 0.04) gained significantly more body mass than sham controls (311 ± 30 g). Dietary interventions with daidzein, tempeh, and L. acidophilus enhanced phosphorus deposition in the femur, kidney, and pancreas compared with the OVX controls. The OT group showed the highest femoral phosphorus levels (178,111 ± 32,628 mg/kg d.w., p = 0.02), while the ODL group revealed elevated phosphorus levels in the kidney (12,966 ± 462 mg/kg d.w.; p = 0.01). The OD (914 ± 115 mg/kg d.w.; p < 0.001), ODL (913 ± 39 mg/kg d.w.; p < 0.001), and OTL (926 ± 70 mg/kg d.w.; p < 0.001) groups showed significantly increased levels of pancreatic phosphorus. A positive correlation was noted between the pancreatic and femoral phosphorus levels (r = 0.33; p = 0.02). Alendronate treatment had no significant effect. CONCLUSIONS:Dietary daidzein, tempeh, and probiotics modulate phosphorus distribution in postmenopausal rats. These results support the translational potential of dietary bioactives to improve phosphorus metabolism in postmenopausal women.
