Kiwifruit has been investigated as a whole-food intervention for functional constipation (FC), constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort. However, previous reviews have not fully integrated recent clinical trials with contemporary fibre terminology and cultivar-specific mechanisms. This narrative review aimed to clarify the clinical evidence, plausible mechanisms, effective regimens, and remaining research gaps for kiwifruit as a dietary strategy for FC and IBS-C and their constipation-related symptoms. PubMed and Web of Science were searched for English-language publications from January 1984 to June 2026. Earlier evidence was defined as publications up to December 2017, and recent evidence was defined as publications from January 2018 onward. Thirty-three publications were included in the narrative synthesis. The strongest evidence supports the use of two fresh green kiwifruits daily for approximately 4 weeks in adults with FC, IBS-C, or chronic constipation. Clinical studies report increases in complete spontaneous bowel movements, improved stool form, reduced straining, and better GI comfort, with generally favourable tolerability. Mechanistically, green kiwifruit combines bulking, fermentable, and gel-forming fibre properties with intrinsic water, sorbitol, polyphenols, microbiota-active substrates, micronutrients, and actinidin. Kiwifruit is best positioned as an evidence-based, low-burden dietary option within individualised constipation care, rather than as a universal substitute for laxatives or dietitian-led IBS management. Further trials should define cultivar-specific effects, long-term adherence, clinically meaningful effect sizes, and comparative effectiveness.
Abstract Foxtail millet ( Setaria italica L .) is a nutrient-rich minor grain widely favored for developing healthy staple foods. However, few studies have systematically characterized the comprehensive quality variations of extruded millet-rice reconstituted rice under gradient foxtail millet incorporation. In this work, twin-screw extrusion was applied to fabricate reconstituted rice with five foxtail millet substitution ratios (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). A series of indicators covering nutritional composition, cooking properties, surface appearance, texture profiles and in vitro digestibility were measured to clarify the regulatory effect of millet proportion on the nutritional and edible quality of extruded reconstituted rice. The results demonstrated that increasing millet proportion significantly raised the contents of crude fat, crude protein, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, acidic amino acids and neutral amino acids ( P < 0.05). Meanwhile, lightness ( L *) decreased, while redness ( a *) and yellowness ( b *) increased continuously. Cooking loss first declined and then elevated, reaching the minimum value at 80% millet substitution; by contrast, water absorption and swelling power grew steadily with the rise of millet ratio. Higher millet dosages promoted the conversion of weakly bound water to tightly bound water and improved the water retention capacity of the matrix. V-type amylose–lipid complexes (type 5 resistant starch, RS5) were identified in all samples, and the 80% millet group possessed the maximum relative crystallinity of 7.08%. Scanning electron microscope results showed that the 80% millet sample formed a uniform and compact starch matrix filled with evenly distributed tiny micropores, while the 100% millet group exhibited loose, broken structures with large cavities. The 60% millet group had the lowest gumminess and chewiness as well as the highest overall sensory score. The content of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) differed remarkably among groups. RDS reached its peak at 60% millet substitution and decreased sharply at 80%, whereas slowly digestible starch (SDS) and RS stayed relatively stable across all treatments. In summary, 60% millet substitution yields preferable texture and sensory performance for daily eating, while the 80% millet sample presents the highest V-type crystallinity and outstanding hypoglycemic capacity. This study systematically reveals the multi-scale quality evolution of extruded reconstituted rice regulated by millet addition, and provides theoretical basis and technical support for the development of low-glycemic, nutrient-fortified millet functional staple foods.
Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a growing burden among the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria, where rates exceed other national zones. The traditional Yoruba diet has progressively given way to Westernised patterns, a shift increasingly recognised as a driver of deteriorating cardiometabolic outcomes. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted across Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies documenting the cardioprotective properties of indigenous Yoruba foods and their bioactive compounds. No date restriction was applied. Results The classical Yoruba diet encompasses indigenous vegetables ( Corchorus olitorius , Telfairia occidentalis , Talinum triangulare ), fruits ( Carica papaya , Citrus × paradisi , Phoenix dactylifera ), allium vegetables ( Allium sativum , Allium cepa ), legumes ( Glycine max ), root tubers ( Dioscorea polygonoides ), and flavourings ( Ocimum gratissimum , Cymbopogon citratus ). These foods contain specific bioactive compounds including flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), organosulphur compounds (allicin), saponins (diosgenin), and carotenoids (lycopene, lutein) that exert cardioprotective effects. Mechanistic evidence demonstrates blood pressure regulation (ACE inhibition, H₂S/NO-mediated vasodilation), lipid modulation (LDL reduction, HDL elevation), oxidative stress attenuation (enhanced SOD/catalase, reduced lipid peroxidation), suppression of vascular inflammation (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6 downregulation), and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Traditional leaf-based packaging and fermentation methods may enhance bioavailability of these compounds. Conversely, the shift toward carbonated beverages, commercial alcohol, and plastic-packaged foods is associated with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. Conclusion Traditional Yoruba dietary practices are cardioprotective. Their deliberate reintegration through culturally adapted public health interventions may help address Nigeria’s escalating CVD burden.
Abstract Recombinant soybean hemoglobin (RSH) can give plant protein based meat a color and bloody taste that mimics animal meat, which is essential for plant protein meat. In this study, the toxicity and allergenicity of RSH were investigated, with bovine hemoglobin (BHb) as a reference. No significant toxic reactions were observed in any group received a single oral dose of 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg RSH within 14 days. Meanwhile, no apparent toxic reactions were noted in terms of organ coefficients, hematological parameters, serum biochemical indices, histopathological examination, and gut microbial diversity in mice orally administered 400 mg/kg RSH daily for 28 days, with BHb showing a comparable safety profile. Minor statistical changes in a few parameters were observed in both RSH and BHb groups, but all values remained within normal ranges. Allergenicity prediction and immune markers study indicated that RSH demonstrated no significant risk of sensitization. These results together proved that RSH exhibited no apparent acute or subacute toxicity and no significant sensitization potential, which could be used as the key ingredients in plant protein meat production.
Abstract Purpose of the research Many studies have demonstrated the deleterious effects of blood cadmium (B-Cd) on human health. However, the association between blood cadmium concentration and the likelihood of kidney stones is still not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between B-Cd and the likelihood of kidney stones in the general adult population of the United States. Methods A total of 17,274 U.S. adult participants were included in this study, and we used weighted multivariate regression analysis and subgroup analysis in the study to explore the independent association between cadmium exposure and odds of kidney stone. Results The prevalence of kidney stones was 8.85% in the whole group of subjects. The prevalence of kidney stones increased with increasing B-Cd quartiles (Quartile 1: 8.16%, Quartile 2: 8.54%, Quartile 3: 8.81%, Quartile 4: 10.20%). In the fully adjusted model, Quartile 4 of B-Cd had a 25% increased odds of kidney stones compared to Quartile 1 (OR 1.55, 95% CI:1.01–2.39, p = 0.04). The association between B-Cd and kidney stones remained consistent across various demographic and clinical subgroups, with no evidence of statistically significant effect modification. Conclusions In US adults, B-Cd concentration showed a positive association with the odds of kidney stone. Cadmium exposure is positively associated with kidney stones. Further prospective investigations are required to determine whether monitoring B-Cd could be relevant in public health strategies for affected populations.
