Samira Ranjbar,1 Afsoon Asadollahi,2 Fatemeh Ghanimati,3 Farzaneh Rafie Sedaghat,4 Hossein Samadi Kafil51Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; 2Department of Maxillofacial Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran; 3Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; 4Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; 5Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranCorrespondence: Afsoon Asadollahi; Hossein Samadi Kafil, Email afsoon.asadollahi@gmail.com; Kafilhs@tbzmed.ac.irAbstract: Postbiotics—non-viable microbial components or metabolites derived from probiotics—have emerged as promising modulators of the gut microbiota (GM), offering probiotic-like health benefits without the risks associated with live microorganisms. The GM is a crucial determinant of human health, and its disturbance (known as dysbiosis) is closely linked to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer (CRC), sepsis, and metabolic syndromes. This review uniquely synthesizes mechanistic insights with therapeutic perspectives and summarizes current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of postbiotics to restore microbial balance and maintain intestinal homeostasis. Bioactive postbiotic molecules, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides, antimicrobial peptides, and vitamins, play key roles in inhibiting pathogens, enhancing beneficial bacterial populations, modulating immune responses, and strengthening epithelial barriers, and could also serve as an alternative to antibiotics. Postbiotics demonstrated therapeutic potential across multiple diseases, including IBD, CRC, metabolic syndrome, sepsis, and antibiotic-resistant infections, primarily through modulation of the GM, enhancement of intestinal barrier integrity, and regulation of immune responses. SCFAs, such as butyrate, reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis; propionate induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Most of the data in this area are preclinical, and further studies are needed. Evidence from preclinical and mechanistic studies suggests that postbiotics may represent a safe, effective alternative or adjunct to probiotics and antibiotics in managing GM-associated disorders.Keywords: probiotics, postbiotics, metabolites, SCFA, immunomodulation, gut microbiota
Ara KirakosyanPure Green Pharmaceuticals Inc., West Bloomfield, MI, USACorrespondence: Ara Kirakosyan, Email akirakosyan@pgpharma.co
Sayed Mortaza FayezDepartment of Nutrition, Medicine School, Kabul University of Medical Sciences Ali Ibn Sina, Kabul, AfghanistanCorrespondence: Sayed Mortaza Fayez, Email sayedmortazafayez455@gmail.comAfghanistan’s maternal nutrition crisis epitomizes the intersection of conflict, systemic collapse, and entrenched gender inequality within the global hunger emergency. Nearly one‑third of Afghan women of reproductive age are underweight, while 45% of pregnant women suffer from anemia, driving one of the world’s highest child stunting rates at 41%. These stark figures reveal overlapping macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies, compounded by food contamination, poor supplement quality, and restrictive socio‑cultural norms. The December 2022 ban on female NGO workers dismantled the primary channel of care delivery in a gender-segregated society; moreover, wider restrictions on women’s participation in civic space, education, and public life have further exacerbated humanitarian vulnerability and limited access to care. These interconnected rights restrictions underscore how systemic gender inequality intensifies humanitarian need. The human cost is measured in elevated maternal mortality, impaired child development, and communities locked in cycles of poverty and poor health. Evidence‑based interventions such as community‑based malnutrition management and fortified food distribution remain effective but are paralyzed by political and operational barriers. Afghanistan’s case highlights urgent lessons for global strategy: gender equality as foundational, systems strengthening as essential, food safety and quality as non-negotiable, and local data as critical for adaptation. Ultimately, maternal nutrition security in Afghanistan is both a humanitarian imperative and a critical measure of international resolve to confront structural barriers and uphold human rights in ending hunger.Keywords:Afghanistan, maternal nutrition, food insecurity, hunger crisis, maternal health
Background: Vitamin D is essential for skeletal health and has been increasingly recognized for potential extra-skeletal benefits. Despite this, vitamin D deficiency remains prevalent, with corrective efforts focused on skeletal outcomes, whereas extra-skeletal benefits remain controversial due to conflicting evidence between small-scale studies and randomized control trials (RCTs). Furthermore, region-specific challenges are a barrier to first-line corrective strategies. Aim: This is the first Saudi-specific Delphi consensus, aiming to address skeletal and extra-skeletal outcomes, drive actionable corrective strategies, and encourage large-scale research in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: Eleven multidisciplinary key opinion leaders from KSA participated in a modified Delphi process involving a premeeting survey, two in-person meetings, and three iterative survey rounds. Consensus, predefined as >= 75% agreement consistent with established Delphi thresholds, was achieved across all 38 statements, covering the landscape of vitamin D deficiency, strategies for correction, maintenance, monitoring, and safety considerations. Results: Key consensus-based recommendations included: (i) vitamin D deficiency contributes to disease development, while correction could help improve outcomes; (ii) oral supplementation is the primary corrective strategy in the Saudi context; (iii) screening should be limited to patients in whom deficiency impacts disease or treatment, with empiric supplementation preferred otherwise; (iv) dosing regimens of 50,000 IU weekly for deficient or empirically treated patients and 1,000-2,000 IU daily or 50,000 IU monthly for sufficient patients and the general population; (v) conditions associated with reduced response to standard dosing are eligible for higher dose; (vi) indefinite maintenance with monitoring every 3-6 months for screened patients; (vii) expert-informed target serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations of >= 30 ng/mt for the general population, >= 50-<60 ng/mt for the elderly, and >= 70 ng/mt for patients with comorbidities. The recommendations for broad empiric supplementation, indefinite maintenance, and the >= 70 ng/mt target diverge from current international guidance and rest on expert consensus and limited evidence; they require prospective regional validation and should be applied with appropriate caution and safety monitoring. Conclusion: This framework provides the first Saudi-specific, Delphi-based recommendations for managing vitamin D deficiency, both skeletal and extra-skeletal and context for future research efforts.
Background: Excess dietary salt intake is a major modifiable risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, yet nationally representative data from Afghanistan are limited. This study estimated the prevalence of high salt intake and identified associated behavioral and sociodemographic determinants among Afghan adults. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2018 Afghanistan WHO STEPwise survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional household survey of adults aged 18-69 years (n = 3,955). High salt intake was defined based on self-perceived consumption. Survey-weighted descriptive statistics, Rao-Scott chi-square tests, and logistic regression models were used to examine associations between participant characteristics and high salt intake. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: Overall, 15.1% (95% CI: 12.7-17.8) of participants reported high salt intake. Behavioral factors showed the strongest associations. Adding salt at the table (AOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.56-4.37), frequent consumption of processed foods (AOR 3.60, 95% CI 2.15-6.02), and eating meals outside the home 1-2 times per week (AOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.00-2.84) were independently associated with higher odds of high salt intake. Awareness of salt-related health harms was protective (AOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26-0.67). Most sociodemographic factors, including sex, age, education, wealth, and residence, were not significantly associated, although regional differences were observed. Conclusion: High salt intake in Afghanistan appears to be primarily determined by modifiable food behaviors rather than demolating processed foods, and strengthening public awareness, may be effective approaches for lowering salt consumption and preventing non-communicable diseases. Excess salt consumption is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and other communicable diseases. Reducing salt intake is therefore an important public health strategy worldwide. However, little is known about how adults in Afghanistan perceive their own salt consumption and which groups may be more likely to report high intake. In this study, we analyzed data from the World Health Organization's STEPwise survey, a nationally representative survey of in Afghanistan. The aim was to examine how many adults believe they consume too much salt and to identify factors associated self-reported high salt intake. We found that about one in seven adults reported consuming a high amount of salt. Men, younger adults, and people who frequently ate meals outside the home were more likely to report higher salt intake. However, previous reports suggest that actual consumption in Afghanistan is much higher than what people report. This indicates that many individuals may underestimate much salt they consume. These findings highlight an important awareness gap. Public health programs in Afghanistan should strengthen education on health risks of high salt intake and promote strategies to reduce salt consumption at both household and community levels.
Background: Nutritional deficiencies are common in children with neurological condition and may adversely affect their life quality and developmental trajectory. Herbal-fortified functional foods represent a promising strategy to increase nutritional density in paediatric nutrition; however, their palatability and nutritional adequacy require systematic evaluation prior to any clinical consideration. Objective: This proof-of-concept study aimed to develop cookies fortified with Traditional Chinese Medicine (Polygonatum sibiricum [Huang Jing], Cornus officinalis [Shan Zhu Yu], Eucommia ulmoides [Du Zhong], Gastrodia elata [Tian Ma], and Angelica sinensis [Dang Gui]) and evaluate their initial sensory acceptability, proximate composition, and preliminary visual shelf-life stability. Methods: Three cookie formulations were developed in Trial I using herbal decoction 10 mL per batch. Sensory evaluation was conducted with 40 healthy child participants (aged > 6 years; 22 males, 18 females), using a five-point hedonic scale to assess five attributes: visual appearance (colour), texture softness, texture crumbliness, flavour intensity, and aftertaste quality, as well as overall acceptability. The most acceptable formulation was selected for Trial II and subjected to proximate analysis following AOAC methods to determine moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate content, and total energy. Results: Among the three formulations, Sample Group 2 demonstrated the highest overall acceptability scores: texture (77.5%), flavor (87.5%) and aftertaste (85%). Proximate analysis of the optimized formulation revealed: moisture 4.04%, ash 1.13%, protein 9.75%, fat 22.05%, carbohydrate 63.03%, and energy content 489.5 kcal/100g. The protein content (9.75%) was higher than that of conventional cookies, and the energy density may support the elevated nutritional requirements of children. Visual shelf-life assessment indicated acceptable appearance and texture over 90 days of room temperature storage. Conclusion: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the technical feasibility of producing herbal-fortified cookies with acceptable sensory attributes and a favourable proximate composition. These findings provide a preliminary foundation for future research; however, acceptability testing in the target clinical population, comprehensive safety and standardisation assessments, objective microbiological shelf-life studies, and properly designed clinical efficacy trials are required before any clinical application can be considered.
Background: Relapse after treatment for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) undermines child survival and the effectiveness of integrated management of acute malnutrition programs. Evidence on relapse in urban settings of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains limited. Methods: We conduct an analytical cross-sectional study among children aged 6- 59 months admitted to outpatient therapeutic nutrition units in the Muya Health Zone, Mbujimayi, from May 2023 to April 2024. Two groups were considered at the time of data collection: children readmitted with SAM following discharge (relapse group) and children newly admitted with SAM during the same study period without documented relapse (new admission group). Data were collected from structured questionnaires and medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Bivariate associations were tested using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Variables with p < 0.20 were entered into multivariate logistic regression. Results: The median age was 24 months (IQR:15- 40) and 56.6% were aged 24- 59 months. Boys accounted for 52.8%. Relapse was independently associated with history of SAM (aOR: 9.847; 95% CI: 3.619- 26.792), lack of measles vaccination (aOR: 3.120; 95% CI: 1.657- 5.873), malaria (aOR: 1.910; 95% CI: 1.012- 3.605), diarrhea at admission (aOR, 3.690; 95% CI, 1.143- 11.921), and clinical outcomes (aOR: 3.660; 95% CI:1.215- 13.026). These findings indicate that relapse in Mbujimayi is driven by the combined effect of prior nutritional vulnerability, incomplete preventive care, and intercurrent infection. Conclusion: SAM relapse was frequent in this urban Congolese setting. Strengthening immunization, infection control, discharge quality, and structured post discharge follow-up may reduce repeated admissions and improve child survival.
Purpose: This survey aims to provide insights into analyse the association of providing human milk fortification with growth outcomes, early hospital discharge, and the impact on economic outcomes associated with the management of neonates in the NICU setting. Methods: A survey-based analysis was conducted in five hospitals, which were included based on the number of NICU beds, patient volume, and practice of using human milk fortifier for neonates. The survey consisted of 22 questions, which were designed to understand the hospital infrastructure, patient volume, feeding practices for neonates, economic burden, and clinical outcomes in the NICU settings, and was duly filled by the physicians. The average response for each survey question was calculated and further analysed. Results: The survey results report that of all the hospitalized neonates, 75% (7.5/10) are admitted to NICU, and 60% (6/10) receive feeds with human milk fortifier (HMF), while 23% receive unfortified feeds. A higher weight gain of similar to 10-20 gm/kg/d and an estimated 40% lesser days of NICU stay are observed in neonates provided with HMF (approximately 9 days) while neonates receiving unfortified feeds stay for approximately 15 days. Average per day NICU cost for management of a neonate is estimated to be INR 30,000, which amounts to 4.5 lac for 15 days and 2.7 lac for 9 days when provided with unfortified and fortified feeds, respectively, while keeping the costs consistent till discharge. However, the hospitals generally incur a similar to 25-30% higher expense as compared to later days, so, an early discharge can turn into estimated potential savings of 30-40% per month for the hospital. Conclusion: The survey findings suggest utilizing human milk fortifiers during neonatal care in the NICU, may translate into reduced length of stay, and potential health and economic benefits that encompass the baby, the caregiver, and the hospital.
Purpose: Berberine, despite broad therapeutic potential, exhibits poor intestinal absorption and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort at higher doses. This pilot study compared the absorption, metabolic responses, and safety of a liposomal berberine formulation against standard unformulated berberine powder. Patients and Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, six healthy males (n = 6; age: 37.8 +/- 3.3 years; height: 174.8 +/- 5.0 cm; weight: 74.6 +/- 2.9 kg) ingested a single 400 mg dose of berberine, either as unformulated or liposomal berberine (Specnova LLC, Tysons Corner, VA, USA). Venous blood samples were collected at 0, 0.33-, 0.67-, 1-, 1.5-, 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 12-, and 24hours post-ingestion and analyzed for plasma berberine concentrations. Metabolic and safety markers were assessed over 24 hours. Results: Liposomal berberine produced significantly higher pharmacokinetic responses compared with unformulated berberine, including a 70.1% increase in Cmax (p = 0.03) and a 42.8% increase in AUC0-24 (p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed between conditions in 24-hour changes in metabolic or safety markers. Conclusion: Liposomal delivery substantially enhances berberine absorption without negatively affecting metabolic or safety parameters in healthy male subjects. These findings support liposomal formulation as a promising strategy for improving berberine's bioavailability and potential clinical utility. Given the small sample size and the inclusion of males only, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory and may not be generalizable to females or broader populations.
Due to their complex etiology and the intricacy of brain systems, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), which progressively deteriorate neural tissue, remain difficult to treat. The gut-brain axis emphasizes the host-gut microbiota (GM) interaction and offers a new perspective on these diseases. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is a hypothesis of the migration of amyloid-beta oligomers from the gut to the brain may affect neuroinflammation. Also, in Parkinson's disease (PD), GM in the gastrointestinal mucosal layer may misfold and accumulate alpha-synuclein, leading to its transfer to the brain. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is affected by GM that influences immune responses toward inflammation through modulation of T-helper cell polarization, T-regulatory (T-reg) cell function, and B-cell activity. Furthermore, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is linked to antibodies that target the astrocyte-expressed water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and may be related to GM and needs more research. Diet is a major factor that could modulate GM composition. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gut-modulating due to its high vegetable, fruit, whole grain, and olive oil intake. It boosts beneficial GM and their byproducts, which suppresses inflammation and may slowing progression and improve PD, AD, MS, and NMOSD, influencing disease progression and symptoms. This review aims to investigate the interaction between GM composition and the MD and how they jointly influence neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, PD, MS, and NMOSD.
Wenqing Zeng,1 Ying Xun2 1Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310005, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Endocrinology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ying Xun, Department of Endocrinology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, People’s Republic of China, Email inhuaxun@163.comAbstract: Sepsis, a life-threatening dysregulated host response to infection, urgently requires novel adjunctive therapies due to the limitations of antibiotics and rising multidrug resistance. Garlic and its bioactive organosulfur compounds, such as allicin and diallyl sulfides, demonstrate significant therapeutic potential for sepsis management through diverse mechanisms. Their efficacy primarily stems from simultaneous immunomodulation and antioxidant activity. Garlic derivatives suppress the NF-κB pathway to curtail excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine release and activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to mitigate oxidative stress. Emerging research highlights that they help mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction by enhancing the PINK1/Parkin- mediated mitophagy pathway, thereby preserving cellular integrity. Beyond these host-directed effects, they exert direct, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against critical pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Plasmodium species. Notably, they act synergistically with antibiotics and are effective against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. The pleiotropic actions of garlic compounds also confer protection against sepsis-induced multi-organ injury in major organs such as the lung, kidney, and liver. This combination of direct antimicrobial effects, immunomodulation, and organ protection positions garlic derivatives as a promising integrative therapeutic strategy. Given this broad therapeutic potential, further efforts will be required to translate these pleiotropic benefits into clinical practice and establish their efficacy through rigorous clinical trials for sepsis adjunctive therapy ultimately. Notably, current evidence predominantly relies on preclinical data, while critical clinical insights, such as the pharmacokinetics of allicin in humans, remain lacking, posing potential translational challenges.Keywords: sepsis, garlic, nuclear factor kappa B, NF-κB, diallyl disulfide, DADS, S-allyl cysteine, SAC
Background: Stress significantly influences mental and physical well-being with crucial markers implying the correlation. Carotenoids have been associated with immunomodulatory and protective functions against oxidative stress. Their ability to interact with nuclear factors helps enhance the expression of antioxidative enzymes, leading to the attenuation of these markers. They also curb inflammatory effects of neurodegeneration through microglial activation. Purpose: The study explored the effects of CaroRite (Research Code - CAR), a mixed carotene compound on the levels of oxidative stress markers, mental and physical well-being and quality of life. Patients and Methods: In this randomized trial, 77 males and females, aged 18 to 60 years, were allocated to the investigational product (IP) or the placebo arm. The participants received one capsule of IP (28 mg)/placebo daily for 90 days. The impact on psychological well-being was measured through the Psychological General Well-Being Index, whereas the effects on oxidative stress and immunity were measured through the 8-Isoprostane and Immunoglobulin-A (IgA). Data have been analysed using ANCOVA and paired/unpaired t test. Results: Both the groups, namely the IP and the placebo, were statistically similar in the age, body mass index (BMI) and PGWBI score at baseline (p> 0.05). At Day 90, a significant increase in total PGWBI scores of 3.09 and 2.73 from baseline (p < 0.05) was observed in the CAR and placebo group subsequently, although the change between the groups was not significant. Post-hoc age stratified analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in the scores among older CAR recipients (p = 0.045) as compared to placebo with a moderate effect size (Cohen's D = 0.7886). In the younger population, a higher non-significant reduction was observed in serum 8-isoprostane in the CAR group compared to the placebo group (p > 0.05) with the small to moderate intervention effect size (Cohen's d = 0.3444). A non-significant increase was observed in sIgA levels in the CAR group as compared to placebo (p > 0.05) suggesting potential immunomodulatory benefits. CAR was well tolerated, with no adverse effects reported. Conclusion: The results indicate that CAR could be helpful in enhancing psychological health in older individuals. The decline in the levels of oxidative stress in the younger population suggests that CAR may render antioxidative effects, consequently managing psychological well-being.
Purpose: ButyraGen (R) (Registered Trademark of NutriScience Innovations, LLC), generates butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, in the small intestine without the drawbacks of conventional formulations. Butyrate has roles in metabolism, immunity, and inflammation, and has emerging relevance in gut-brain axis signaling and psychological health. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated ButyraGen's effects on mood and well-being. Patients and Methods: A starting cohort of 596 adults were randomized and double-blinded to receive 200 mg/day of ButyraGen or placebo for six weeks in a fully virtual study. Validated questionnaires were administered to assess changes in anxiety, depression, and functional outcomes. Analyses followed an Intent-to-Treat protocol, with Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) used to identify meaningful improvements through post-hoc analyses. Results: ButyraGen significantly reduced self-reported anxiety in men, who were over twice as likely to achieve clinically meaningful improvement versus placebo. Across all participants, improvements in feelings of fear and unease were observed. No overall benefit for self-reported depression was seen, but participants without gastrointestinal disease had a twofold greater likelihood of improvement compared to placebo. Further analysis showed improvements in hopelessness and helplessness among younger adults and men. Functional improvements were also seen for reduced distraction and improved social engagement. Conclusion: These results suggest that ButyraGen may supports both psychological and physiological well-being, particularly in men, younger individuals, and those without gastrointestinal disease. Benefits began to appear within weeks two and three and were sustained through six weeks, highlighting its potential as a fast-acting intervention for both gut and brain health, indicative of the gutbrain axis connection.
Background: Gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health. This study investigated the impact of two soy-based foods, soymilk-burkina (SMB), a traditional fermented Ghanaian beverage) and soymilk-millet blend (SMMB), on the gut microbiome of women of reproductive age. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from two cohorts of women consuming either SMB or SMMB soymilk-burkina or a soymilkmillet blend) at 2 weeks pre-intervention, baseline, during an 8-week intervention, and 4 weeks post-intervention. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to analyze the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome. Results: beta-diversity analysis revealed no significant differences in overall community composition between the two cohorts. alpha- diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson) showed no significant differences in richness, evenness, or diversity between cohorts, suggesting a balanced gut ecosystem after both interventions. However, 20 dominant bacterial species were identified, including both beneficial (eg, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bacteroides vulgatus) and potentially harmful (eg, Eubacterium rectale and Bacteroides fragilis) taxa. Soymilk-burkina consumption of soymilk-burkina significantly reduced the abundance of Eubacterium rectale (associated with colon cancer) and increased the abundance of F. prausnitzii (beneficial), suggesting potential gut health benefits. However, these effects were transient, highlighting the need for sustained dietary interventions. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the dynamic interplay between diet and the gut microbiome, particularly in the context of traditional fermented foods such as soymilk-burkina. Although short-term changes were observed, the long-term benefits may require consistent consumption. Further research is required to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and their implications on broader health outcomes. Plain Language Summary: The human body, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, hosts trillions of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria. These "gut microbes" play a crucial role in nutrient digestion, vitamin synthesis, and disease prevention. Dietary intake can significantly alter the composition of these microbial communities. This study investigated whether a traditional fermented beverage, soymilk-burkina, could enhance the gut health of women in Ghana. A comparative unfermented soymilk-millet blend was also examined. Forty women were randomly assigned to two groups, each consuming one of the soy beverages daily for an eight-week period. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, during, and after the intervention to analyze bacterial profiles. The results indicated no dramatic overall changes in the diversity or types of gut bacteria between the two groups. However, women who consumed fermented soymilk-burkina exhibited notable shifts, specifically a reduction in Eubacterium rectale, a bacterium associated with colon cancer, and an increase in beneficial Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, known for its positive impact on gut health. These positive alterations, however, appeared to be transient. Approximately one month after discontinuing the fermented product, the participants' gut bacterial levels began reverting to their pre-study states. In conclusion, this study suggests that fermented soymilk-burkina may offer short-term benefits to gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing potentially harmful ones. Nevertheless, sustained consumption of this beverage is necessary to maintain these benefits. This research underscores the influence of diet on gut microbiota and highlights the potential of traditional fermented foods like soymilk-burkina for further exploration, although more research, particularly concerning long-term effects, is warranted.
Aim: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced systemic inflammation is a well-known experimental model for studying damage to various organs, and the lungs are known to be one of the targets of the detrimental effects of inflammatory processes. Activation of specific signaling pathways such as LPS /Toll-like receptor (TLR)/Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-K beta) induces an inflammatory response and impairs the function of the respiratory system. Folic acid (FA) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a special role in biological processes such as cell division. Limited studies have evaluated the lung protective effects of folic acid. Therefore, we conducted this preclinical study to demonstrate the lung protective effect of FA and its possible mechanisms in LPS-induced lung injury. Material and Methods: Rats were divided into five groups (n =10 in each group): a normal control group, LPS challenged group treated with saline, and three group challenged with LPS and treated with FA (5.10, and 20 mg/kg). Rats were treated with FA for three weeks, and in the third week, LPS was injected daily after FA administration. Lung inflammatory response and oxidative stress biomarkers as well as histopathological status was assessed in the end of study. Data were analyzed using Prism version 8 using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests. Results: FA supplementation resulted in markedly decreased lipid peroxidation level and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and thiol activity both in the lung and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (P< 0.05 to P< 0.001). Treatment with FA also reduced lung inflammatory response by reversing increased total and differential white blood cells (WBC) counts (P< 0.05 to P< 0.001). Also, FA administration improved lung histopathological change (P< 0.01). Conclusion: The dose-dependent improvement effect FA supplementation on LPS-induced oxidant/antioxidant balance, inflammatory response and histopathological alterations of lung was shown for the first time. The potential therapeutic intervention of FA in LPS-induced lung damage was highlighted.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and intensity of food cravings among adults in Central and Western Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using online questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: A sample of 432 individuals was investigated, which was almost evenly split between men (50.5%) and women (49.5%). Body mass index (BMI) of most participants fell within the normal (31.9%) and overweight (32.6%) categories, highlighting a fairly balanced distribution of these BMI ranges. The obesity category included 24.5% of participants, raising concerns about potential obesity-related health issues. A significant proportion of participants had irregular meal-taking patterns. Overall, snacks and fruits were most frequently consumed daily, whereas eating with family was the least frequent activity. Finally, p-values from an assessment of food cravings and their effects on BMI indicated various levels of significance. Cravings for salty foods (p=0.008), the influence of emotional factors on food cravings (p=0.03), eating due to sadness even when not hungry (p=0.01), challenges in resisting or controlling food cravings (p=0.04), and feelings of guilt or regret after indulging in cravings (p=0.000) were all significant factors, suggesting potential links with BMI. Conclusion: Food craving involves a complex interplay of different factors, including emotional states and social cues, with varying levels of self-control and associated guilt or regret.
Maher Ghandour,1 Hans Zollmann,2 Axel Horsch1 1Department of Orthopedics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; 2Kurgestüt Hoher Odenwald, Waldbrunn, GermanyCorrespondence: Axel Horsch, Email axelhorsch@gmx.deAbstract: This narrative review aims to consolidate and analyze the current body of scientific literature regarding the nutritional value and potential health benefits of mare’s milk, focusing on its impact across various human organ systems. An extensive literature search was conducted across various scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The search focused on studies related to the composition, nutritional value, and health effects of mare’s milk. Eligibility included human and animal studies reporting health outcomes of mare’s milk (composition-only papers excluded); findings were synthesized qualitatively by organ system with human vs non-human evidence distinguished and microbiological safety (raw vs pasteurized/fermented) summarized. Mare’s milk exhibits a unique nutritional profile, distinct from more common dairy sources such as cow’s milk. It is rich in essential fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. The review highlights potential health benefits across multiple organ systems, including the central nervous, gastrointestinal, respiratory, renal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, and endocrine systems. Benefits range from improved cognitive function and gut health to enhanced immune response and potential regulation of chronic diseases. The review identifies mare’s milk as a promising alternative dairy source with multiple potential health benefits. However, it also emphasizes the need for more extensive scientific research to validate these benefits. The findings suggest mare’s milk’s potential as a functional food and its therapeutic applications, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.Keywords: Mare’s milk, nutritional benefits, functional food, alternative dairy product, therapeutic applications
Purpose: Insufficient sleep is common and under-reported, linked to increased health risks. Many individuals seek alternatives to conventional medications, which often have adverse side effects. Patients and Methods: This monocentric, single-arm, open-label exploratory study (Reg. No: NCT05748574) evaluated a granulate formulation containing 75 mg extract of the fresh herb of Lactuca sativa, 190 mg Melissa officinalis,120 mg L-Tryptophan, and 60 mg Magnesium in healthy adults with sleep disturbances. Conducted in Germany in 2023, 50 subjects consumed the formula nightly for 14 days. Outcomes were assessed via diaries, questionnaires, cognitive tests, wearables, saliva samples, and polysomnography (PSG) in a 10-subject subgroup. Statistical analysis compared pre- and post-treatment differences. Results: Nightly awakenings reduced by 31% (p < 0.001) and early morning awakenings by 16% (p < 0.001). PSG data indicated a 28% increase in deep sleep (N3&N4, p > 0.05), a 70% rise in stage N4 (p = 0.042) and an 18% reduction in REM sleep (p > 0.05). The Apnea-Hypopnea index decreased by 26% (p = 0.11). Sleep quality ("Sleep questionnaire" SF-B/R index, primary outcome) improved by 14% (p = 0.003), with a 37% improvement in highly anxious individuals (p <= 0.001). Restedness increased by 22% in week 1 and 28% in week 2 (p <= 0.001). Psychological tension dropped by 21% and up to 29% (p <= 0.001). Daytime performance indicators included a 13% reduction in sleepiness and a 23% improvement in mood (p <= 0.014). Executive function showed a 13% improvement (p <= 0.001) on computerized tests (COMPASS). Findings from wearables, sleep quantity, and salivary biomarkers yielded an inconsistent picture. Adherence was high, with no serious adverse events reported. Conclusion: The formulation was associated with observed improvements in subjective sleep quality-particularly among anxious individuals-as well as well-being and daytime function. Further confirmation through randomized placebo-controlled studies is warranted to further prove causality.
