Adequate dietary fiber intake from plant foods is critical for the prevention of noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs). However, across industrialized nations, consumption remains insufficient to meet established intake recommendations. This gap provides a strong rationale to include functional fibers in processed foods or use them as supplements, although their effectiveness in reducing NCD risk is inconclusive. In this review, we examine current nutritional strategies to optimize fiber intake, spanning whole-plant foods, processed foods made or enriched with fiber-containing ingredients, and fiber supplements. We examine the structure and physicochemical properties of the fiber types represented in these strategies and explore the mechanisms by which they influence the gut microbiome and NCD risk markers. Drawing on evidence from human intervention studies, we critically assess the strengths and limitations of each strategy to improve health outcomes and propose a framework for the effective and systematic integration of fiber into nutrition and food science.

Early postnatal nutrition is critical for gut barrier maturation, yet infant formulas only partially replicate the functional benefits of human milk. Using infant- and adult-like Caco-2/HT29-MTX models, this in vitro study compared the effects of gastrointestinal digested human milk, dairy-, soya-, and amino acid-based infant formulas on gut barrier integrity and peptide transport. Barrier function was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance and occludin-actin colocalization, while amino acid and peptide transport were profiled by liquid chromatography plus mass spectrometry. In the infant-like model, human milk uniquely enhanced occludin-actin co-localization (P < 0.05) and increased the abundance of basolateral bioactive peptides. Amino acid-based infant formula significantly increased occludin fluorescence intensity in infant-like monolayers but reduced transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in adult-like monolayers. For all digested foods, peptide transport and diversity were significantly greater in infant-like than in adult-like monolayers, with human milk promoting the highest basolateral peptide load. These findings demonstrate distinct functional differences between human milk and infant formulas in their interaction with the gut barrier. They also underscore the importance of using age-appropriate in vitro models for accurately evaluating dietary effects during early life, highlighting the need for further research to optimize infant nutrition strategies.

Chronic low protein intake can negatively affect human growth, cardiovascular function, metabolic profiles, immunity and exacerbate deficiencies of other nutrients including iron(1). It’s widely accepted that athletes and active individuals have an increased requirement for dietary protein, however to date little is known about the prevalence of low protein intake or protein supplementation practices within this population in Ireland.This study aimed to examine the following in an Irish population of athletes and active adults: (i) the prevalence, frequency, and reasons for using protein supplements and protein-fortified foods; and (ii) the proportion of those at risk of consuming less than 1.0g of protein/kilogram bodyweight/day.Participants, aged ≥18 years, residing in Ireland, and engaging in competitive sport or structured physical activities at least twice weekly, completed a self-administered, web-based questionnaire. A validated protein intake screening tool(2) was included to estimate the risk of low protein intake based on self-reported food consumption over the previous 4-weeks. Data collection occurred in April 2024 and descriptives and Chi-squared tests were performed (IBM SPSS v29).The questionnaire yielded 885 (median age = 40yrs, range = 18-77yrs; 57.6% female) completed responses. More than half (54.5%) of this population were athletes competing at either local (34.3%), regional (24.3%), national (25.8%) or international (15.4%) level, while the remaining 45.5% engaged in regular exercise only. Overall, 50.2% of this population used protein supplements, with a greater prevalence among men (55.5% vs 46.3%, P<0.01) than women. There was no difference in the use of protein supplementation between athletes (55.5%) and active adults (53.7%, P = 0.595). The main reasons participants provided for using protein supplements were: 1) they found it difficult to meet daily protein requirements through diet alone (59.4%), 2) their training goals required higher intakes (47.7%), and 3) convenience (41.1%). Based on data from the protein intake screening tool, 36.5% of this population were at risk of low protein intakes from food alone, with no difference between athletes and active individuals (P = 0.909), but a higher risk among men (47.7% vs 28.2%, P<0.01) than women. Those who were at risk of low protein intakes were no more likely to use protein supplements (P = 0.972) or protein-fortified foods (P = 0.956) than those not at risk. Of those at risk, 49.1% and 4.5% did not consume any protein supplements or protein-fortified foods respectively, while only 14.4% took protein supplements daily and 7.7% consumed proteinfortified foods daily.Up to a third of this population may not consume adequate protein through their diet alone. While protein-fortified foods and supplements may be helpful, athletes and active adults should attempt to meet their daily protein requirements through a balanced whole food diet, where possible.

This study investigated the impact of proportion of pasture in the cow diet on the concentration of selected fat-soluble compounds in milk including β-carotene, lutein, retinol (vitamin A), α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and zeaxanthin. Bulk tank milk samples (n = 102) were collected weekly (n = 34) across an entire lactation from three herds operating either a high (GRS), medium (PMR) or no pasture allowance (TMR) feeding system. Concentrations of β-carotene and lutein increased significantly with increasing pasture allowance, with a > 2 fold increase of β-carotene in milk, between high and no pasture allowance treatments. GRS feeding system resulted in milks with higher concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, and zeaxanthin, compared to both PMR and TMR systems. A biomarker model based on the fat-soluble compounds concentration in milk, demonstrated excellent differentiation of high pasture allowance derived milks from that of medium and no pasture milks, with area under the curve scores of 0.955 and 0.971 respectively. Strong correlations were observed between the concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in milk and the milks corresponding yellow colour, while a significant correlation was exhibited between β-carotene and b*-value. Such correlations with milk colour may have a significant impact on the consumer preference of milk and dairy products produced therefrom.

There is increasing consumer interest in performance nutrition beverages that improve muscle recovery, endurance and strength, and a desired product type would be dairy -blackberry beverages. However, the effect of phenolic compounds on the digestion of milk proteins, and the effect of milk proteins on the bioaccessibility and permeability of phenolic compounds through the intestinal wall is poorly understood. In this study, dairyblackberry beverages were made by adding milk protein concentrate and/or leucine and freeze-dried blackberry puree to skimmed milk, to formulate beverages with different protein contents and two different leucine contents. These beverages were subjected to in vitro digestion, and their protein breakdown was analysed with electrophoresis. The accessibility of flavonoids, anthocyanins and individual phenolic compounds was determined and the apparent permeability (Papp) of individual phenolic compounds through Caco-2 cells was analysed. It was found that beta-lactoglobulin in samples with a higher protein content was more resistant to digestion. An increase in protein had no influence on the bioaccessibility of flavonoids as a whole but increased the bioaccessibility of the subgroup anthocyanins from 13% in water to 64% in high protein milk. The Papp of cyanidin3-O-glucoside, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and rutin was determined. Milk proteins improved the Papp of gallic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, to a maximum value of 4.26 and 0.36 x 10-6 cm/s but had no clear influence on protocatechuic acid and rutin. In conclusion, higher milk protein levels were associated with increased bioavailability of anthocyanins and their metabolites, which could inform formulation strategies for performance nutrition.

This study aimed to determine whether the fat and protein content in dairy-fruit blends prepared using full-fat, semi-skimmed, skimmed or high-protein milk in combination with freeze-dried blackberry puree influenced the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of blackberry polyphenols and organic acids. Samples were subjected to in vitro digestion, after which bioavailability was analysed with a Caco-2 cell model. The addition of puree to milk resulted in the formation of protein aggregates, which partially protected anthocyanins during digestion. Milk fat may have increased the bioaccessibility of anthocyanins while reducing permeability through the Caco-2 cells, leading to a lower bioavailability in tested samples.

Introduction:Sports nutrition is a rapidly growing sector with increasing demand for evidence-based nutritional products to support competitive and healthy lifestyles. The product development process for novel foods should rely heavily on end-user engagement to facilitate future success, however there is a dearth of published information available. An understanding of the practices and self-reported nutritional priorities of athletes and active individuals is required for the development of new food products, facilitating evidence-based product formulation.Methods:Participants were at least 18 years of age, actively participating in competitive sport or structured physical activity on at least two occasions per week. Participants were asked to undertake a comprehensive online survey assessing their nutritional practice, perceived nutritional priorities and preferences for product characteristics. Questions were developed on the basis of critical evaluation of the current scientific literature and the hosting of two scoping focus group sessions with prospective end-users.Results:405 individuals (29 ± 9 years) completed this questionnaire. 295 participants reported active participation in competitive sport while the remaining 110 participants undertook structured physical activity exclusively. When asked to rank their top three most sought-after product claims in sports nutrition, "enhanced muscular recovery" was the most prioritised receiving 101 first choice preferences (25%) and 295 top 3 preferences. Fifty-eight percent of participants reported taking nutritional supplements. Caffeine containing functional foods (excluding caffeine supplements) were the most commonly used functional food group. A very low incidence of functional food usage was reported otherwise. When asked to rank the importance of various food product attributes, "nutritional profile" was ranked as the most important with rating of 3.37 ± 0.7 out of 4 followed by "taste" and "accessibility". Whole food nutritional products received the most first preference selections and most top 3 selections when presented with a number of popular performance and recovery products on the market.Conclusions:The transition towards a food first approach in sports nutrition is vital for athletes and active individuals to achieve their goals; with the development of evidence-based functional foods, particularly with a focus on muscle recovery, endurance, and strength enhancement at the forefront for new food product design and innovation.

Given the worldwide epidemic of diet-related chronic diseases, evidence-based dietary recommendations are fundamentally important for health promotion. Despite the importance of the human gut microbiota for the physiological effects of diet and chronic disease etiology, national dietary guidelines around the world are just beginning to capitalize on scientific breakthroughs in the microbiome field. In this review, we discuss contemporary nutritional recommendations from a microbiome science perspective, focusing on mechanistic evidence that established host-microbe interactions as mediators of the physiological effects of diet. We apply this knowledge to inform discussions of nutrition controversies, advance innovative dietary strategies, and propose an experimental framework that integrates the microbiome into nutrition research. The congruence of key paradigms in the nutrition and microbiome disciplines validates current recommendations in dietary guidelines, and the systematic incorporation of microbiome science into nutrition research has the potential to further improve and innovate healthy eating.

Dietary fiber intakes in Western societies are concerningly low and do not reflect global recommended dietary fiber intakes for chronic disease prevention. Resistant starch (RS) is a fermentable dietary fiber that has attracted research interest. As an isolated ingredient, its fine particle size, relatively bland flavor, and white appearance may offer an appealing fiber source to the Western palate, accustomed to highly refined, processed grains. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the current knowledge (classification, production methods, and characterization methods), health benefits, applications, and acceptability of RS. It further discusses the present market for commercially available RS ingredients and products containing ingredients high in RS. The literature currently highlights beneficial effects for dietary RS supplementation with respect to glucose metabolism, satiety, blood lipid profiles, and colonic health. An exploration of the market for commercial RS ingredients indicates a diverse range of products (from isolated RS2, RS3, and RS4) with numerous potential applications as partial or whole substitutes for traditional flour sources. They may increase the nutritional profile of a food product (e.g., by increasing the fiber content and lowering energy values) without significantly compromising its sensory and functional properties. Incorporating RS ingredients into staple food products (such as bread, pasta, and sweet baked goods) may thus offer an array of nutritional benefits to the consumer and a highly accessible functional ingredient to be greater exploited by the food industry.

An abstract is not available for this content. As you have access to this content, full HTML content is provided on this page. A PDF of this content is also available in through the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Rationale: During March to July 2020, in the COVID-19 pandemic, Aneurin Bevan University Health board reported 2,761 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 1. Many of those with severe COVID-19 showed persisting fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle mass loss and deconditioning. This resulted in decreased exercise tolerance, in addition to ongoing complex psychological and health concerns. There is significant evidence to support PR as a means of improving mental and physical health in many respiratory conditions. 2 A bespoke face to face COVID-19 pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme was therefore setup to maximise patient recovery.Aim: 1. To assess the impact of PR on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) of patients diagnosed with severe COVID-19. 2. To assess the impact of PR on six minute walk test, sit to stand test and Borg dyspnoea score 3. To identify patients most likely to benefit from PR in the future.Method: Patients were identified as 'severe COVID-19' and referred for PR following a consultant case review of patients requiring non-invasive and invasive ventilation in either the respiratory high care unit (RHCU) or intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were then assessed by a multidisciplinary team to ensure consent and appropriateness for the PR programme.Patients completed MFIS and were assessed on a variety of other physical and psychological measures, including: six minute walk test, sit to stand test and Borg dyspnoea score. During weekly PR sessions the patients engaged with a tailored programme of cardio and strengthening exercises as well as Pilates to improve movement and flexibility. Patients repeated the assessments after six weeks.Results: A total of 31 patients attended the programme. 97% of patients attended 80-100% of sessions. The median change in total MFIS was -16%. There were also improvements seen in the six minute walk test with a median increase of 23% and sit to stand with a median increase of 36%. Median change in BORG score -0.5(-50%).Graph 1: Conclusion: Face to face pulmonary rehab is an effective treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with severe COVID-19 following resolution of their acute illness. PR has resulted in improved physical abilities and psychological wellbeing. Improvements were seen in MFIS in all three MFIS severity categories and PR should be offered to all patients recovering from severe COVID-19.

Background Flavonoid polyphenols are bioactive phytochemicals found in fruits and teas among other sources. It has been postulated that foods and supplements containing flavonoid polyphenols may enhance recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) through upregulation of cell signalling stress response pathways, particularly the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway. Objectives This study aims to investigate the ability of polyphenol treatments containing flavonoids to enhance recovery of skeletal muscle strength, soreness and creatine kinase post EIMD. Methods Medline (Pubmed), Embase and SPORTdiscus were searched from inception to August 2020 for randomised placebo-controlled trials which assessed the impact of 6 or more days of flavonoid containing polyphenol ingestion on skeletal muscle recovery in the 96-h period following a single bout of EIMD. A total of 2983 studies were screened in duplicate resulting in 26 studies included for analysis. All meta-analyses were undertaken using a random-effects model. Results The pooled results of these meta-analyses show flavonoid polyphenol treatments can enhance recovery of muscle strength by 7.14% (95% CI [5.50–8.78], P < 0.00001) and reduce muscle soreness by 4.12% (95% CI [− 5.82 to − 2.41] P = 0.00001), no change in the recovery of creatine kinase concentrations was observed. Conclusion These results indicate that ingestion of polyphenol treatments which contain flavonoids has significant potential to improve recovery of muscular strength and reduce muscle soreness in the 4-day period post EIMD. However, the characterisation of polyphenol dosage and composition of study treatments should be prioritised in future research to facilitate the development of specific guidelines for the inclusion of flavonoid-rich foods in the diet of athletes and active individuals.

Extensive in vitro and, to a more limited extent, animal research have demonstrated the health potential of a wide set of egg protein hydrolysates; however, well-designed human intervention studies are scarce. Health claim assessment, however, sets high standards for characterisation of the bioactive peptides, investigation of the mode-of-action and convincing human intervention studies. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art and knowledge gaps related to egg-derived peptide bioavailability and bioactivity. In addition, we will formulate recommendations for appropriate design of future human intervention trials with egg-derived peptides.

Background: The reported effects of flavanol-rich foods such as cocoa, dark chocolate, and apples on blood pressure and endothelial function may be due to the monomeric flavanols [mainly (-)-epicatechin (EC)], the oligomeric flavanols [procyanidins (PCs)], or other components. Reports of well-controlled intervention studies that test the effects of isolated oligomeric flavanols on biomarkers of cardiovascular health are lacking. Objective: We studied the acute and chronic effects of an EC-rich apple flavanol extract and isolated apple PCs on systolic blood pressure (BP) and other cardiometabolic biomarkers. Design: Forty-two healthy men and women with moderately elevated BP completed this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-arm crossover trial. Participants ingested a single dose of an apple flavanol extract (70 mg monomeric flavanols, 65 mg PCs), a double dose of this extract (140 mg monomeric flavanols, 130 mg PCs), an apple PC extract (130 mg PCs, 6.5 mg monomeric flavanols), or placebo capsules once daily for 4 wk, in random order. Biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk and vascular function were measured before and 2 h after ingestion of the first dose and after the 4-wk intervention. Results: Compared with placebo, none of the isolated flavanol treatments significantly (P < 0.05) changed systolic or diastolic BP (peripheral and aortic), plasma nitric oxide (NO) reaction products, or measures of arterial stiffness (carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, brachial-ankle pulse-wave velocity, or Augmentation Index) after 2 h or 4 wk of the intervention. There were no changes in plasma endogenous metabolite profiles or circulating NO; endothelin 1; total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol; triglycerides; fasting glucose; fructosamine; or insulin after 4 wk of the intervention. Conclusions: Our data suggest that, in isolation, neither monomeric flavanols nor PCs affect BP, blood lipid profiles, endothelial function, or glucose control in individuals with moderately elevated BP. The reported benefits of consuming flavanol-rich cocoa, chocolate, and apple products appear to be dependent on other components, which may work in combination with monomeric flavanols and PCs.

An abstract is not available for this content. As you have access to this content, full HTML content is provided on this page. A PDF of this content is also available in through the 'Save PDF' action button.

Purpose: The current practice for treating axillary nodal disease in early breast cancer is in transition for patients presenting with positive lymph nodes who have primary SACT. For those who achieve a good clinical and radiological response there is a drive towards SLNB rather than ANC. Boileau et al. [1] reported that approximately 30% of these patients could potentially avoid ANC, with further evaluation before the use of SLNB after primary SACT included in future guidelines.

SCOPE Epidemiological evidence, animal, and in vitro studies suggest that berry consumption may ameliorate markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate findings from berry-based randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to establish the effects of berry consumption on markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health. METHODS AND RESULTS PubMed and Web of Science are searched for RCTs investigating berry consumption on CVD risk outcomes in adults. A total of 23 studies (which includes 1168 participants) out of 1384 records meet the inclusion criteria. Of these 23 studies, 17 RCTs are of high quality, where 12 RCTs (71%) report beneficial effects of berry consumption on CVD risk markers. Overall, 4/11 RCTs that observe a reduction in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (BP); 3/7 RCTs report favorable effects on endothelial function, 2/3 RCTs report improvements in arterial stiffness, 7/17 studies observe benefits in blood lipids, and 3/6 studies report improvements in glycemic profile. CONCLUSION Our evaluation of the literature indicates that more than two-thirds of high-quality trials have reported beneficial effects of berry consumption on markers of CVD risk. This systematic review contributes moderate to strong evidence for the inclusion of berries as part of a cardioprotective diet.