Background: Obesity is a global health problem that continues to increase and is closely related to gut microbiota imbalance and metabolic dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate different interventions for treating obesity in a rat model using both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches, including brown rice, meal replacement, and Thiazolidinedione. Methods: This study was an in vivo laboratory experiment on Sprague Dawley rats with a post-test only controlled group design. A negative control group was given a standard diet, and four experimental groups were subjected to a High-Fat High-Fructose (HFHF) diet during the initial phase. Subsequently, the experimental groups would receive interventions in the form of Brown Rice (BR), Thiazolidinedione (TZD), and Meal Replacement (MR) to assess their respective effects. Results: A balanced ratio (~1 or eubiosis) indicated that the number of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the gut microbiota was relatively equal. This study presented that the MR group had a balanced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio compared to other intervention groups. MR group had the highest fiber content among the other groups (5.74±0.22 g, P=0.018). The addition of MR to the diet increased the fiber content in the feed, leading to a decrease in Firmicutes and an increase in Bacteroidetes. The highest PPARγ expression was observed in the TZD group (4.97±2.88, P=0.360). Conclusions: The high fiber content contributed to the balance of the F/B ratio in the MR group, while in terms of PPARγ expression, the TZD group remains the most effective due to its direct activation of PPARγ
The 2026 Iran War oil shock stands for a tectonic shift in the global energy paradigm, transcending traditional supply demand fluctuations to expose the visceral vulnerabilities of a hyper-interconnected global economy. Following the outbreak of hostilities in late February 2026 and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 4, the global market witnessed a supply loss of approximately 12 million barrels per day, or nearly 11.5 percent of global demand. This article provides a critical perspective on the confluence of maritime insecurity, the failure of strategic reserves to dampen volatility, and the "weaponization" of energy transit. By analyzing the unique characteristics of this crisis - specifically its simultaneous impact on crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and refined fuels - the authors argue that the 2026 shock necessitates a fundamental decoupling of energy security from geographic chokepoints. Furthermore, this perspective evaluates the asymmetrical impact on the Global South and the accelerated, albeit chaotic, pivot toward decentralized energy systems.
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a serious health care challenge. The authors evaluated the effect of garlic powder supplementation on appetite control and cardiometabolic indices in patients with NAFLD. Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted for 12 weeks in ninety patients with NAFLD. The participants were randomly assigned to receive 1600 mg/d garlic powder (treatment group) or 1600 mg/d starch (placebo group). Appetite and cardiometabolic indices such as atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), castelli risk index II (CRI-II), atherogenic coefficient (AC), and cardiometabolic index (CMI) were assessed at baseline, middle and after intervention. Results: A total of 88 participants completed the trial. No difference was found between groups in baseline values of appetite parameters, AIP, AC and CMI. Only CRI-II was significantly higher in the treatment group (P=0.01). After intervention, the treatment group compared to the placebo group showed significant improvements in hunger (P<0.001), fullness (P=0.001), desire to eat (P=0.002), ability to eat (P<0.001), AIP (P<0.001), CRI-II (P<0.001), AC (P<0.001), and CMI (P<0.001). Conclusions: Garlic improves appetite and cardiometabolic indices.
Background: In low-resource settings, urbanization has intensified the double burden of malnutrition (DBM), where undernutrition and overnutrition coexist within the same individuals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of concurrent anemia and overweight/obesity (OWOB) among women of reproductive age (WRA) in Burkina Faso. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study used data from the 2021 Burkina Faso Demographic and Health Survey (BFDHS-V). A total of 7,987 non-pregnant women aged 15–49 year were included. OWOB was defined using body mass index (≥25 kg/m²), and anemia was assessed based on hemoglobin concentration (<12 g/l). Weighted prevalence and 95% confidence intervals of concurrent OWOB and anemia were also estimated. Multivariate logistic regression for complex survey data (svyglm function in R) was used to identify associated factors. Results: The prevalence of DBM associated with OWOB was 10.1%. The coexistence OWOB and anemia showed a statistically significant positive association with higher wealth index [(Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR)=1.87; 95 % CI: 1.16, 3.01)], the highest wealth index (AOR=3.28; 95 % CI: 1.99, 5.40;), women‟s older age 20-29 year (AOR=1.86; CI :1.25, 2.77), 30-39 (AOR=2.12; CI :1.40, 3.21) and 40 years or more (AOR=2.24; CI :1.45, 3.45), and primary education (AOR=1.51; CI :1.04, 2.19). Conclusions: DBM associates OWOB with anemia as an emerging problem in Burkina Faso with a prevalence reaching 10%. A positive association was found with older women living in household with higher wealth index. Therefore, urgent strategies and actions need to be put in place in order to avert this trend
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common among women, particularly those who are overweight or obese. There is evidence that physical activity benefits on body vitamin D status. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of CrossFit training on serum 25(OH)D3 levels and anthropometric measures in women. Methods: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 28 overweight/obese adult women. Participants were randomly allocated to a CrossFit (n=14) or a non-intervention group (n=14) for 8 weeks. Participants were then asked to complete CrossFit training for 1 hour, 3 times per week. Fasting levels of 25(OH)D3 and anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lean body mass (LBM), and body fat mass (BFM), were measured for each participant at the beginning and end of the study. Results: In total, 24 women (12 participants in the CrossFit and 12 participants in the non-intervention group) completed the trial. After 8 weeks of intervention, it was found a significant increase in serum 25(OH)D3 levels in the CrossFit group compared with other group (1.11±0.45 ng/ml in the CrossFit group vs. 0.19±0.44 ng/ml in the non-intervention group, P<0.01). Furthermore, in the CrossFit group, significant decreases were found in body weight, BMI, and WHR and a significant increase in LBM, compared with the non- intervention group (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Findings indicate that 8 weeks of CrossFit training can improve vitamin D levels and anthropometric measures in overweight/obese adult women.
Background: Macrocybe gigantea is an edible wild mushroom with potential nutritional and bioactive value. The present study aimed to isolate, identify and optimize the cultivation parameters of M. gigantea and to evaluate its nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents and in-vitro antioxidant activity. Methods: Mushroom was identified using morphological characteristics and ITS rDNA partial sequencing followed by BLAST analysis. Growth media, pH, temperature and different lignocellulosic substrates were evaluated for mycelial growth and yield. Proximate composition (dry weight basis), phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity were analysed using standard methods including DPPH, FRAP and reducing power assays. Results: The collected mushroom was identified as Macrocybe gigantea based on microscopic examination and ITS rDNA sequencing, which showed 99.12% similarity (93% query coverage; E-value 0.0; max score 1112) in BLAST analysis. Paddy straw showed the highest biological efficiency (84.7±1.1%) compared with other substrates. Nutritional composition analysis on a dry weight basis revealed a high protein content (47.34±3.28%), followed by a substantial proportion of carbohydrates (37.21±1.86%), and a comparatively low fat content (3.04±0.24%). Additionally, it is a valuable source of vitamins B, C, and D. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds. The mushroom ethanol extract exhibited better antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of DPPH (57.07±1.71 μg/ml), ABTS (39.18 μg/ml±1.18) and phosphomolybdenum assay (IC₅₀: 45.22±1.36 μg/ml). Conclusion: Macrocybe gigantea demonstrated high biological efficiency on paddy straw and exhibited appreciable nutritional value along with significant in-vitro antioxidant activity, particularly in the ethanol extract. Further in-vivo studies are required to validate its potential health benefits.
Background: The global use of sport supplements has risen, including in Iran, where misuse can pose health risks. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) strongly influence supplement consumption behaviors, yet limited data exist among athletes in Zahedan. This study aimed to assess KAP related to sport supplement use among male athletes attending sports clubs in Zahedan, Iran. Methods: In this cross- sectional study, 121 male athletes aged 18–35 year were recruited from Zahedan sports clubs using cluster random sampling. Data were collected through a validated, researcher-designed questionnaire covering demographics, anthropometrics, supplement use, and KAP. Knowledge was categorized as poor (0–10), fair (11–15), or satisfactory (>15); attitude and practice were classified in the same way. Moreover, descriptive statistics and chi-square or Fisher’s Exact Tests were used for analysis. Results: Participants had a mean age of 25.0±1.7 years. Bodybuilding was the most common sport (53.7%), and creatine was the most used supplement (26.5%), while 32.2% reported no use. Overall, 41.3% had poor knowledge, 38.8% had fair knowledge, and 19.8% had satisfactory knowledge. For attitudes, 47.1% were at a poor level, 51.2% at a fair level, and 1.7% at a satisfactory level; for practices, 47.1% had poor practice, 24.0% had fair practice, and 27.3% had satisfactory practice. Significant correlations were found between knowledge and attitude, knowledge and practice, and attitude and practice (P<0.001). Conclusions: Suboptimal KAP toward supplement use was evident, with nearly half of athletes scoring poorly across domains. Improved knowledge was linked to better attitudes and practices, highlighting the need for structured, ongoing nutrition education in sports clubs to promote safe supplement use.
Background: Food insecurity (FI) in rural areas is a considerable concern that impacts numerous families worldwide. The study aimed at investigating the prevalence of household food insecurity and its determinants among rural women in Tehran province. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 rural women of Tehran province. Women were selected randomly from rural health canters or houses of 32 villages. Then, data were collected by questionnaires including demographic and socio-economic information, household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) and nutritional knowledge assessment. Results: The results indicated that more than 64% of women were food insecure, and socio-economic factors were the main predictors. Monthly household income (OR=0.85, CI:0.78- 0.94, P<0.05) and age of household head (OR=0.96, CI:0.93-0.99, P<0.05) were significantly higher in food insecure households. Household heads who were unemployed or housekeepers (OR=14.59, CI:3.31-64.26, P<0.05) and workers, farmers, or stockbreeder were also more likely to be food insecure (OR=5.44, CI:2.07-14.33, P<0.05). However, women's nutritional awareness or their membership in the village microcredit fund were not significantly associated with FI. Conclusion: The prevalence of FI was high in rural areas of Tehran province. Factors related to socio-economic status, including household income and employment status of the household head, were identified as significant determinants of household food security status.
Background: Food-drug interactions (FDIs) are not adequately recorded and can be linked to several factors, such as insufficient documentation of food history, lack of follow-up, or lack of awareness. The objective of study was to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among the Baghdad population regarding FDIs. Methods: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study, spanning from March 2024 to May 2024, and included a total of 612 individuals. Participants were given a standardized questionnaire to gather data on their understanding of FDIs. A descriptive analysis was conducted to ascertain the frequency of responses. Results: The overall rate of response was 85%, with a greater proportion of females; 92% were in the age bracket of 20- 30. Just 23% of the participants had encountered FDI at least once throughout their lifetimes. Drug package leaflets should also be read before using the medication, according to over 91% of respondents. 91% of the respondents acknowledged that acidic foods and beverages can impact the absorption of pharmaceuticals and lead to interactions between food and drugs. Furthermore, they firmly believe that alcohol and drugs should never be ingested together. Conclusion: The participants were knowledgeable and conscious about FDIs. This outcome has the potential for further optimization, given that a significant majority of respondents expressed a favorable inclination towards reading the medicine label prior to utilizing pharmaceuticals.
The editorial argues that the debate over genetically modified (GM) crops in Asia has become too polarized and needs a more grounded, fact-based discussion. With growing populations, climate change, and shrinking farmland, GM crops are presented as a useful but imperfect tool that could help improve food security and support farmers. Evidence from several Asian countries shows that these crops can increase yields, reduce pesticide use, and even address nutritional deficiencies, offering real benefits especially to small-scale farmers. However, the letter also stresses that these advantages should not overshadow legitimate concerns. Questions about long-term health effects, environmental risks like cross- pollination, and the rise of resistant pests highlight the need for careful regulation. Beyond science, there are also socio-economic issues, particularly the growing dependence of farmers on patented seeds controlled by large corporations, which may threaten traditional farming practices. In the end, the author calls for a balanced approach—neither fully embracing nor rejecting GM crops. Instead, governments should focus on strong regulations, transparency, and farmer empowerment while protecting local biodiversity. The future of GM crops in Asia, the letter concludes, depends on responsible governance that puts both people and the environment first
Background: Starches from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and cassava (Manihot esculenta) are widely used in food applications but often exhibit limitations in hydration, solubility, and flow properties. This study aimed to evaluate whether Amylase-Gallic acid modification and starch blending can enhance the functional properties of native and composite starches. Methods: Ten starch samples, including single-source and blends (75:25, 50:50, 25:75), were prepared and analyzed for swelling power, solubility, water absorption rate (WAR), water and oil absorption capacities (WAC and OAC), and bulk and tapped densities (BD and TD). Comparisons were made between native and amylase–Gallic acid modified starches. Results: Native starches showed high variability in swelling power (0.02–0.27 g/g) and solubility (2–10%). Amylase- Gallic acid modification also significantly increased uniformity and improved hydration and binding properties (P<0.05). The 50:50 SP-CS composite exhibited the highest WAR (10.4 g/g), while WAC and OAC increased substantially across modified starches. Bulk and tapped densities also rose, indicating enhanced flowability and compaction. These improvements are attributed to partial enzymatic hydrolysis, exposure of hydrophilic sites, and polyphenol-starch interactions. Conclusions: Amylase–Gallic acid modification optimally improves the functional properties of the native and composite SP-CS starches, enhancing their water and oil retention, hydration, and flow characteristics. These findings support the potential application of such modified starches in food formulation, stabilization, and development of value-added products.
Background: In low and middle-income countries Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a severe problem requiring attention. The present study aimed to evaluate dietary policies and compare them with best practices in European countries to analyze Iran’s progress in NCD-related nutritional challenges. Methods: it was searched the National databases. To gain a deeper understanding of nutritional policies, the researchers interviewed with 27 individuals from various sectors of the food system. These semi-structured interviews were systematically transcribed and analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches within the NOURISHING framework and the Health Policy Triangle. Results: By analyzing documents and interviews, it was revealed that dietary interventions in Iran, compared to the NOURISHING framework, are classified into 3 main policy processes, which are: 30% of interventions in Iran have not been formulated; 15% were formulated but not implemented and 55% have been implemented. Challenges in policy implementation were analyzed across three main dimensions: Policy process, policy content, and policy context, as well as four sub-dimensions: dietary behavior, food environment, food system, and policy context. Actions requiring improvement include: Food environment (12%): Measures like unhealthy food taxation, unhealthy food advertisements, food quality in retail outlets, and school canteen standards need revision; Dietary behavior (2%): Nutrition education in schools and community education requires modifications and Food system (1%): Cross-sectoral collaboration within the food system in Iran is weak. Conclusion: The authors found that Iran has made considerable efforts to mitigate NCDs. However, due to low attention to socio-economic factors in policy making, weaknesses in food system governance, environmental, and educational dietary policies have not reached their expected efficiency.
Background: Underweight, overweight, and obesity in pregnant women are addressed as a importance result of the mother and child health. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in pregnant women in Zahedan city, southeast Iran, and also to determine any related demographic factors. Methods: The present cross- sectional study included 702 women in their first trimester of pregnancy in urban and rural areas of Zahedan from 20 healthcare centers in 2022. The measurements of women who had attended the first trimester visit up to the 12th week of pregnancy in Electronic Health Records, known as SIB were collected. Moreover, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and chi-square test. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The findings indicated that 80 (11.4%) of the pregnant women were underweight, 371 (52.8%) had normal weight, 157 (22.4%) were overweight, and 94 (13.4%) were obese. Moreover, the mean body mass index was 23.98±5.04 kg/m2. Bivariate correlations revealed that obesity and overweight status were significantly associated with age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), resident status, level of education, and the number of children. Conclusions: According to the findings, obesity, overweight, and underweight in the first trimester of pregnancy are significant public health concerns in society. Informing women at their reproductive age through educational interventions for weight management is recommended in this specific area
Background: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient vital for optimal human health. Previous findings have indicated the potential benefits of vitamin C on bone mineral density (BMD) and peripheral arterial quality through various mechanical pathways. However, the effectiveness of vitamin C supplementation on BMD and peripheral arterial quality remains controversial. Methods: A total of 60 healthy participants were recruited and randomly allocated into control (n=30) and intervention (n=30) groups. Background data such as body composition were collected from all participants using BODPOD. Additionally, BMD measurements of wrist and ankle were obtained using an Osteo checker device, and peripheral arterial quality was assessed using the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) device at baseline. The intervention group received daily vitamin C supplementation of 100 mg per 1 tablet for 12 weeks, whereas the control group maintained their routine dietary habits. All parameters were reassessed at week 12 (endpoint). Results: At endpoint, ankle BMD values in the intervention group were significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher peripheral arterial quality in both right and left brachial ABI and right and significantly lower left ankle Arterial Stiffness Index (ASI) compared to the control group at endpoint (P<0.05). Dietary habits, including energy and calcium intake, showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusions: Daily vitamin C supplementation of 100 mg appeared to be potentially effective for improving BMD and ABI values among participants in this study. However, further study is needed with larger participant groups and longer duration to confirm these findings.
Background: Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in previous studies. Considering that disruption of the lipid profile and sex hormones is a prevalent symptom in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), this study aimed to evaluate the effects of OEA supplementation in women with PCOS. Method: In a randomized placebo- controlled trial, 90 women diagnosed with PCOS were divided into two groups: one receiving 125 mg/day OEA (OG, n=45) and the other receiving a placebo (PG, n=45), for 8 weeks. Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed using validated questionnaires, and anthropometric indices were measured according to standard procedures. Moreover, serum lipid profile components and sex hormones were measured using ELISA kits. Biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: At the end of the study, the OG showed a significant decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, prolactin, and total testosterone compared to both PG and baseline (P<0.005). However, the levels of HDL, FSH, and LH did not show any significant change (P>0.005). Conclusion: With OEA antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this fatty acid supplement can help reduce symptoms by improving dyslipidemia and sex hormone levels, especially testosterone.
Background: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is vital for food security in Malaysia, serving as both a staple food and an important source of nutrients. However, the nutritional and morphological characteristics of local rice varieties, particularly those cultivated in Sabah, remain underexplored. Methods: Six Sabah rice varieties, Tadong, Perang, Pandasan, Wangi, SST, and TQR (control) were analyzed for morphological, nutritional, and mineral composition. Morphological traits were determined through grain dimension analysis, proximate composition using AOAC methods, and mineral content by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to quantify potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and sodium (Na). Results: All rice varieties exhibited medium grain length and slender shape. The 1000-grain weight differed significantly (17.10–21.50 g), with Tadong the highest and TQR the lowest. Light-colored varieties showed higher L* values, while pigmented types were darker. Cooking time ranged from 11 to 20 min, with SST cooking the fastest. Volume expansion after cooking varied significantly (3.10–3.91 cm³), with SST highest. Moreover, Perang had the highest protein and fat contents, whereas Tadong recorded the highest crude fiber and carbohydrate. K and P were the predominant minerals, while Na levels were low across varieties. Conclusion: Distinct varietal differences were observed, with Perang and Tadong showing superior nutritional profiles and SST exhibiting favorable cooking qualities. These findings highlight the potential of Sabah rice varieties to enhance dietary quality and strengthen Malaysia’s food and nutrition security.
Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a periodic disorder of the menstrual cycle, and its most severe form is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which occurs as a complex disorder. Eating disorder is also a type of eating behavior disorder with complications. Considering the high prevalence of PMS, and consequently, PMDD in society and the negative impact that inappropriate eating behaviors and eating disorders have on individuals’ quality of life, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between moderate to severe PMS and PMDD and eating behaviors and eating disorders. Methods: This descriptive- analytical study was conducted on 290 female students of Babol University of Medical Sciences in 2022. Eligible individuals completed demographic questioners, premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST), three-factor eating questionnaire reduced 18 (TFEQ-R18), and 26-item eating attitudes test (EAT-26). The data were analyzed using SPSS at significance level of 0.05. Results: Totally, 162 participants (55.86%) had moderate to severe PMS symptoms, of whom 47 (16.21% of all girls and 29.01% of PMS girls) also reported dysmenorrhea. Mean scores for eating disorders (Mild PMS: 6.18±5.29, moderate or severe PMS: 8.49±7.75, PMDD: 9.66±7.89), emotional eating (no or mild PMS: 6.05±2.50, moderate or severe PMS: 6.70±2.90, PMDD: 7.17±3.14) and uncontrolled eating (Mild PMS: 19.30±5.26, moderate or severe PMS: 20.73±5.22, PMDD: 22.15±6.40) increased with increasing PMS severity. After controlling for other predictors, participants with an overweight and those in the PMDD group exhibited significantly higher mean emotional eating scores compared to the non-PMS group. Conclusion: The present study showed that emotional eating was significantly associated with PMDD symptoms in overweight individuals
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. As healthy nutrition significantly contributes to the prevention of NCDs, several nutritional policies have been implemented globally to improve dietary patterns, including nutrition labeling policies. In 2014, the Iranian government launched the traffic light labeling (TLL) policy, with the mandatory phase implemented in 2016. However, no comprehensive review has been conducted to examine the TLL policymaking process in Iran, its effectiveness, and potential improvement strategies. Methods: This narrative review aims to explore the evolution, outcomes, and future directions of nutrition labeling in Iran. Results: The high prevalence of NCDs, alongside the government’s commitment to controlling these diseases and addressing major dietary risk factors, served as a political driver for TLL implementation. International influences, such as the experiences of other countries with similar policies, also contributed. However, the policy has faced criticism, including the absence of sufficient educational programs, lack of an accurate monitoring system, limited evidence-based decision-making, and the use of back-of-package (BOP) rather than front-of-package (FOP) labeling. Conclusion: Despite the limitations, several studies indicate positive effects of TLL on food-related behaviors among the Iranian population. Nevertheless, large-scale research is required to more rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of TLL. Further improvements could include relocating TLL to the FOP, considering alternative labeling systems such as Nutri-Score, promoting educational initiatives, and establishing transparent and effective monitoring systems.
