BACKGROUND AND AIM:Plant-based meat analogues (PBMA) are rising in popularity, yet its nutritional efficacy remains unclear. This study examined the impact of protein-matched animal-based meat diets (AD) and PBMA diets (PD) on nutrient intake and biological micronutrient status among Singaporean adults. METHODS:A parallel-design randomized controlled trial among 89 participants compared the substitution of habitual protein-rich foods with fixed quantities of either animal-based meats (n = 45) or their corresponding PBMA (n = 44) over 8 weeks. Cooked intervention foods were nutritionally profiled and assessed using the Nutrient Rich Food index. Micronutrients intake was examined by 3-day food records with corresponding blood biomarkers, as well as bone mineral density assessments by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The primary outcomes are vitamin B12 and folate micronutrient intake and status. RESULTS:Statistical comparisons by analysis of covariance with baseline data as a covariate revealed that dietary thiamine, folate, vitamin B6, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron intake in the PD group was significantly higher as compared to the AD group. A corresponding difference in biological status was observed at week 8 for plasma vitamin B12 (PD: 382.56 (19.38) pmol/L, AD: 357.76 (17.50) pmol/L, P = 0.004), folate (PD: 32.13 (2.34) nmol/L, AD: 23.62 (2.02) nmol/L, P = 0.003) and selenium (PD: 1.61 (0.03) μmol/L, AD: 1.57 (0.03) μmol/L, P = 0.006). Marginal changes in bone mineral density (0.06 g/cm2, 95 % CI, 0.01-0.12 g/cm2, P = 0.030) were observed among participants in the PD group but no significant effects in its associated outcomes of β-crosslaps and P1NP. Sex-specific effects of β-crosslaps were suggested among females with higher concentrations in the PD group than the AD group observed. CONCLUSION:While the fortification of certain micronutrients like folate and vitamin B12 may improve the nutritional status, calcium and iron supplementation did not translate to observable changes in circulating micronutrient status. Future PBMA development must prioritize bioavailability and physiological factors such as digestion, absorption, bioavailability and utilization to truly achieve both human health and environmental sustainability goals. The trial is registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS:gov, Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05446753, in June 2022.

Abstract Background Cardiometabolic diseases arise from metabolic dysfunction that develops decades before clinical onset. Conventional genetic risk models are typically derived in middle-aged or older populations, where genetic effects are confounded by cumulative environmental exposures, chronic comorbidities, and clinical interventions. Whether the life stage at which genetic liability is modelled influences the biological signal captured by polygenic scores remains unclear, particularly in underrepresented populations. We therefore tested whether genetic liability modelled in early adulthood, a period of relative physiological stability, is associated with cardiometabolic risk across the life course in Asian populations. Methods We developed a polygenic score for metabolic syndrome, GenMetS, using data from 1,368 Singaporean women aged 18–45 years. The model integrates 15 established polygenic scores for metabolic traits and applies elastic-net penalized regression to optimize variant weights. GenMetS was evaluated in five cohorts comprising 670,952 individuals aged 0–94 years across population-based and disease-enriched settings, including Asian and European ancestry groups. Associations with metabolic traits, cardiometabolic diseases, multimorbidity, and early-life growth patterns were assessed. Results In Asian populations, GenMetS explained 5.0–12.4% of the variance in metabolic syndrome in adults and 10.3% in children, with negligible performance in European populations (R² < 0.001). Higher GenMetS was associated with increased odds of cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and stroke (odds ratios 1.32–1.52 per standard deviation). In UK Biobank participants of Asian ancestry, GenMetS improved discrimination of cardiometabolic multimorbidity beyond age alone. Associations were consistent across sexes. In children, higher GenMetS was associated with obesogenic growth trajectories and increased abdominal adiposity. Conclusions Genetic liability to metabolic dysfunction modelled in early adulthood captures a stable biological signal associated with metabolic traits, disease risk, and multimorbidity from childhood to adulthood in Asian populations. These findings indicate that the life stage of model derivation shapes the biological signal captured by polygenic scores and support the development of life-stage- and ancestry-informed approaches for cardiometabolic risk assessment and prevention.

We compared the acute and chronic effects of postexercise cold water immersion (CWI) and active recovery (ACT) on oxidative stress, redox-related gene expression, mitochondrial adaptations and muscle oxidative capacity. In a crossover study, nine males completed strength sessions, followed by either 10 min CWI or ACT. There were time effects for blood oxidative stress markers, including serum derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites and serum biological antioxidant potential (P < 0.05). F2-Isoprostanes were lower after exercise in the CWI trial compared with the ACT trial (P < 0.05), whereas plasma glutathione peroxidase activity was higher in the CWI trial at 2 h after exercise (P < 0.05). There were time effects for redox-related genes, including NRF2, SXRN, HMOX1, GCLM, TP53 and TXN, in muscle after exercise (P < 0.05). Postexercise gene expression did not differ between the CWI and ACT trials. In a parallel-group study, 21 males strength-trained twice a week for 3 months and performed either 10 min CWI or ACT after each session. There were time effects for the activity of citrate synthase and mitochondrial enzyme complexes I and IV (P < 0.05) and the protein abundance of p-AMPK (P < 0.05) in muscle after training. These responses did not differ between the CWI and ACT groups. Evaluation of muscle oxidative capacity using near-infrared spectroscopy showed slower oxygen desaturation during a 10 s isometric contraction, and greater oxygen consumption during 50 isokinetic contractions after training in the CWI group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CWI after resistance exercise does not alter acute redox-related transcription or chronic mitochondrial adaptations, whereas it might improve muscle oxygen kinetics.

BACKGROUND:The influence of plasma DHA and overall omega-3 (n-3) long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) on child cognitive development is unclear. OBJECTIVES:We examined if plasma LC-PUFA concentrations are prospectively associated with academic performance in primary school children and if diet patterns modulate the relationship. METHODS:Children were from the Growing Up in Singapore Toward healthy Outcomes cohort. Fasting LC-PUFA concentrations were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at age 8 y (n = 557). Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis from a validated food frequency questionnaire at age 7 y. Academic performance was assessed using the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-III at age 9 y (n = 288) and the primary school leaving examination (PSLE) at age 12 y (n = 408). The relationships of LC-PUFAs to academic performance scores were examined using multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS:Percent DHA at age 8 y was associated with higher reading fluency {β [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 3.54 (0.52, 6.56), P = 0.022} and spelling scores [4.49 (0.02, 8.95); P = 0.021] at age 9 y, and lower PSLE scores [β (95% CI) =-1.43 (-2.68, -0.618); P = 0.025] (indicating better performance) at age 12 y. However, these associations were attenuated after adjusting for an unhealthy dietary pattern. Total n-3 LC-PUFA at age 8 y was associated with higher reading fluency [β (95% CI) =1.55 (0.03, 3.07); P = 0.046] scores at age 9 y, and lower PSLE scores [β (95% CI) =-0.83 (-1.42, -0.24); P = 0.006] at age 12 y. The association with PSLE scores remained significant even after adjusting for healthy or unhealthy dietary patterns [β (95% CI) =-0.68 (-1.29, -0.08); P = 0.028]. CONCLUSIONS:Higher plasma total n-3 LC-PUFA and DHA were prospectively associated with better academic performance in primary school children, but the relationship with DHA was modulated by an unhealthy dietary pattern. The results suggest that beyond DHA, total n-3 LC-PUFA status plays a significant role in the cognitive development of children.

Background:A healthy diet has been proposed to support good mental health, but the addition of either red meat or meat alternatives is nuanced. Objectives:We aimed to determine if psychological and physiological well-being is differentially affected by consuming recommended weekly amounts of either lean red meat or plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) supplemented with a plant-rich diet. Methods:The trial was a parallel 2-arm randomized intervention of 10 wk duration. Eighty healthy omnivorous young adults were clustered as 40 cohabitating household pairs. Each pair was randomly assigned to consume 3 weekly servings of either fresh New Zealand beef and lamb or the equivalent PBMA. They maintained an otherwise ovo-lacto vegetarian diet, aided by a weekly meal kit and supported by engaged advice from research dietitians. Psychological measures were well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index); depression, anxiety, and stress (depression anxiety stress scales-short form-21); and fatigue (multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form) assessed weekly throughout the trial. Blood biomarkers included neurotransmitter-related compounds, iron status and vitamins B12 and D. Physical activity and sleep were estimated by a fitness wristband. Mixed effect modeling evaluated changes in each outcome over time relative to its baseline and compared the 2 interventions accounting for randomization unit clustering. Results:Thirty-nine household pairs completed the trial. Participants measured as psychologically healthy at baseline. There were no significant differences between groups in the degree of change from baseline for the psychological outcomes, nor for the majority of the circulatory markers. Differences in changes to vitamin B12 status and 3 neurotransmitter-related compounds (adenosine, agmatine, and tyrosine) from baseline to week 10 were observed between groups. Results were similar in all sensitivity analyses when adjusting for physical activity, sleep, and diet quality covariates. Conclusions:There was no effect on the psychological measures and limited change to physiological status when comparing a balanced diet containing either red meat or PBMAs in healthy young adults.

Although the associations between cord blood lipidome and neonatal birth weight are established, it remains uncertain whether sexual dimorphism in fetal fat accumulation extends to the relationship between cord blood lipid profiles and neonatal abdominal fat compartments. Understanding these relationships could provide insights into early sex-specific differences in lipid metabolism. We conducted lipidomics of umbilical cord blood plasma samples (350 (46.6

BACKGROUND:The composition of a meal impacts the digestion and absorption of dietary fats, potentially affecting their role in cardiovascular and chronic disease risk. OBJECTIVES:To compare the fatty acid concentrations, including long-chain ω-3 fatty acids, the lipidome, and lipids in response to a meal containing grain-fed beef, pasture-fed beef, lamb, or Beyond Burger [plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA)]. METHODS:We conducted a randomized crossover trial where healthy males (n = 27) consumed a standardized burrito-style meal containing meat or an alternative matched for protein and carbohydrate content on 4 separate occasions, with a minimum washout period of 1-wk. Blood samples were collected before the meal and hourly for 4 h after the meal. The changes in the fatty acid distribution, the lipidome of the chylomicron-rich fraction, and plasma lipids were analyzed. RESULTS:Linear mixed modeling and mixed effect analysis of variance showed significant changes in the fatty acid postprandial response following all meals (P < 0.05) and subtle differences between meal types. Significant lipidomic features were predominantly triglyceride for time (89 of 223) and meal (63 of 66). Meat meals had higher lysophosphatidylcholines in the chylomicrons [χ2(3) = 6.00, P = 0.042; W = 0.074, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.024, 1.030]. The grain beef and lamb showed a significantly lower triglyceride response in plasma compared to PBMA (grain: -0.346; 95% CI: -0.692, -0.0004; lamb: -0.458; 95% CI: -0.880, -0.034). CONCLUSIONS:There are subtle differences in the lipid response to beef, lamb, and PMBA-containing meals. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04545398.

Insulin resistance (IR) is fundamental to the development of type 2 diabetes and usually precedes the disease by several years. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of IR may help better manage and prevent the metabolic syndrome. We used an integrated approach of anthropometric and biochemical measures in conjunction with serum lipidomics for metabolic phenotyping of multiethnic male participants with varied insulin sensitivity. By detailed characterization of the serum lipidomic profiles in the fasting state as well as temporal changes during the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure (HIEC), we identified a systemic metabolic response to the HIEC represented by the marked changes in the acylcarnitine, nonesterified fatty acid, lysophospholipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and phosphatidylserine lipid classes. We demonstrate that a shared lipidomic signature between IR and liver fat shows gradual increase with increasing liver fat percentage. In summary, by stratifying the study participants according to the insulin sensitivity indices derived from the HIEC procedures, we identified a circulating lipidomic signature of IR and metabolic plasticity with a potential for prediction and management of metabolic health before the development of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Article Highlights The underlying molecular pathogenesis of the Asian phenotype of insulin resistance remains to be understood. We carried out metabolic phenotyping of study participants without diabetes according to insulin sensitivity indices derived from hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedures. We identified lipidomic signatures of insulin resistance and metabolic plasticity. These lipidomic signatures have the potential to help in risk stratification of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction for early intervention.

In muscle, digoxin inhibits Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) whereas acute exercise can increase NKA gene expression, consistent with training-induced increased NKA content. We investigated whether oral digoxin increased NKA isoform mRNA expression (qPCR) in muscle at rest, during and post-exercise in 10 healthy adults, who received digoxin (DIG, 0.25 mg per day) or placebo (CON) for 14 days, in a randomised, double-blind and cross-over design. Muscle was biopsied at rest, after cycling 20 min (10 min each at 33%, then 67% V-O2peak), then to fatigue at 90% V-O2peak and 3 h post-exercise. No differences were found between DIG and CON for NKA alpha(1-3) or beta(1-3) isoform mRNA. Both alpha(1) (354%, P = 0.001) and beta(3) mRNA (P = 0.008) were increased 3 h post-exercise, with alpha(2) and beta(1-2) mRNA unchanged, whilst alpha(3) mRNA declined at fatigue (-43%, P = 0.045). In resting muscle, total beta mRNA (& sum;(beta(1)+beta(2)+beta(3))) increased in DIG (60%, P = 0.025) and also when transcripts for each isoform were normalised to CON then either summed (P = 0.030) or pooled (n = 30, P = 0.034). In contrast, total alpha mRNA (& sum;(alpha(1)+alpha(2)+alpha(3)), P = 0.348), normalised then summed (P = 0.332), or pooled transcripts (n = 30, P = 0.717) did not differ with DIG. At rest, NKA alpha(1-2) and beta(1-2) protein abundances were unchanged by DIG. Post-exercise, alpha(1) and beta(1-2) proteins were unchanged, but alpha(2) declined at 3 h (19%, P = 0.020). In conclusion, digoxin did not modify gene expression of individual NKA isoforms at rest or with exercise, indicating NKA gene expression was maintained consistent with protein abundances. However, elevated resting muscle total beta mRNA with digoxin suggests a possible underlying beta gene-stimulatory effect.

Aim Accumulation of circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) is a hallmark feature of impaired insulin sensitivity. As intracellular BCAA catabolism is dependent on glycine availability, we hypothesised that the concurrent measurement of circulating glycine and BCAA may yield a stronger association with markers of insulin sensitivity than either BCAA or glycine alone. This study therefore examined the correlative relationships of BCAA, BCAA and glycine together, plus glycine alone on insulin sensitivity-related markers before and after an 8-week low energy diet (LED) intervention. Methods This is a secondary analysis of the PREVIEW (PREVention of diabetes through lifestyle Intervention and population studies in Europe and around the World) Study New Zealand sub-cohort. Eligible participants with pre-diabetes at baseline who achieved ≥8 % body weight loss following an LED intervention were included, of which 167 paired (Week 0 and Week 8) blood samples were available for amino acid analysis. Glycemic and other data were retrieved from the PREVIEW consortium database. Repeated measures linear mixed models were used to test the association between amino acids and insulin sensitivity-related markers (HOMA2-IR, glucose, insulin, and C-peptide). Results Elevated BCAA was associated with impaired insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05), with strength of association (ηp2) almost doubled when glycine was added to the model. However, glycine in isolation was not associated with insulin sensitivity-related markers. The magnitude (β-estimates) of positive association between BCAA and HOMA2-IR, and inverse association between glycine and HOMA2-IR, increased when body weight was higher (Body weight∗BCAA, Body weight∗glycine, p < 0.05, both). Conclusion Low serum glycine strengthened the association between BCAA and impaired insulin sensitivity. Given that glycine is necessary to facilitate intracellular BCAA catabolism, measurement of glycine is necessary to complement BCAA analysis to comprehensively understand the contribution of amino acid metabolism in insulin sensitivity. Clinical trial registration This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01777893).

Alternative protein foods can be manufactured from various sources, including plants, insects, and cultured meat. Asia is a unique consumer market, with diverse ethnicities and culinary traditions that may impact consumer acceptance of these emerging protein products. Yet, few studies have compared various alternative protein foods within a multi-ethnic Asian population. We examined how sociodemographic factors were associated with alternative protein food acceptance and investigated the attitudes of individuals towards consuming plant-based meat alternatives, cultured meat, and insect-based products. Adult Singaporeans (n = 1224) from the Multi-Ethnic Cohort 2 study (75 % Chinese, 15 % Indian, 10 % Malay) were surveyed. Hierarchical ordinal regression was used to identify the sociodemographic and attitudinal factors of consumption intent and price sensitivity. Consumption intent for plant-based meat alternatives was the highest, followed by cultured meat, and insect-based products. The perception of un-naturalness was the strongest barrier to consumption intent and this perception was strongest for cultured meat, followed by insect-based products, and plant-based meat alternatives. Males and those more familiar with the products were more willing to consume alternative protein foods, whereas ethnic Malays were less willing. Attitudinal factors that were unique to specific types of alternative protein foods were concerns over zoonotic diseases (plant-based meat alternatives), distrust in gene technology (cultured meat), food neophobia and animal welfare (insect-based products). Participants were willing to pay more for alternative protein foods if they had concerns over drug residues in meat. Our findings suggest that differential strategies may be needed to promote acceptance of different types of alternative protein foods.

Flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets are increasingly popular, particularly amongst young adults. This is the first randomised dietary intervention to investigate the health, wellbeing, and behavioural implications of consuming a basal vegetarian diet that additionally includes low-to-moderate amounts of red meat compared to one containing plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) in young adults (NCT04869163)(1). The objective for the current analysis is to measure adherence to the intervention, nutrition behaviours, and participants’ experience with their allocated dietary group. Eighty healthy young adults participated in this 10-week dietary intervention as household pairs. Household pairs were randomised to receive approximately three serves of beef and lamb meat (average of 390 g total cooked weight per person per week, flexitarian group) or PBMAs (350–400 g, vegetarian group) on top of a basal vegetarian diet. Participants were supported to adopt healthy eating behaviours, and this intervention was developed and implemented using a behaviour change framework(2). Diet adherence (eating allocated meat or PBMA, abstaining from animal-based foods not provided by researchers) was monitored daily, with total scores calculated at the end of the 10-week intervention period. Eating experiences were measured by the Positive Eating Scale and a purpose-designed exit survey, and a food frequency questionnaire measured dietary intake. Analyses used mixed effects modelling taking household clustering into account. The average total adherence score was 91.5 (SD = 9.0) out of a possible 100, with participants in the flexitarian group scoring higher (96.1, SD = 4.6, compared to 86.7, SD = 10.0; p < 0.001). Those receiving meat were generally more satisfied with this allocation compared to those receiving the PBMAs, even though a leading motivation for participants joining the study was an opportunity to try plant-based eating (35% expressed that that interest). Participants in both intervention groups had increased vegetable intake (p < 0.001), and reported more positive eating experiences (p = 0.020) and satisfaction with eating (p = 0.021) at the end of the 10-week intervention relative to baseline values. Behavioural methods to encourage engagement with the trial were successful, as participants demonstrated excellent adherence to the intervention. The flexitarian and vegetarian diets elicited different responses in adherence and eating experience. This holds relevance for the inclusion of red meat and PBMAs in healthy, sustainable dietary patterns beyond this study alone.

Community screening for sarcopenia is complex, with barriers including access to specialized equipment and trained staff to conduct body composition, strength and function assessment. In the current study, self-reported dietary protein intake and physical activity (PA) in adults ≥65 years was assessed relative to sarcopenia risk, as determined by body composition, strength and physical function assessments, consistent with the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) definition. Of those screened (n = 632), 92 participants (77% female) were assessed as being at high risk of developing sarcopenia on the basis of dietary protein intake ≤1 g∙kg−1∙day−1 [0.9 (0.7–0.9) g∙kg−1∙day−1] and moderate intensity physical activity <150 min.week−1. A further 31 participants (65% female) were defined as being at low risk, with both protein intake [1.2 (1.1–1.5) g∙kg−1∙day−1] and PA greater than the cut-off values. High-risk participants had reduced % lean mass [53.5 (7.8)% versus 54.8 (6.1)%, p < 0.001] and impaired strength and physical function. Notably, high-risk females exhibited greater deficits in lean mass and strength, with minimal differences between groups for males. In community-dwelling older adults, self-reported low protein intake and low weekly PA is associated with heightened risk for sarcopenia, particularly in older women. Future research should determine whether early intervention in older adults with low protein intake and PA attenuates functional decline.

BACKGROUND:β-cryptoxanthin is a dietary carotenoid for which there have been few studies on the safety and pharmacokinetics following daily oral supplementation.METHODS:90 healthy Asian women between 21 and 35 years were randomized into three groups: 3 and 6 mg/day oral β-cryptoxanthin, and placebo. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks of supplementation, plasma carotenoid levels were measured. The effects of β-cryptoxanthin on blood retinoid-dependent gene expression, mood, physical activity and sleep, metabolic parameters, and fecal microbial composition were investigated.RESULTS:β-cryptoxanthin supplementation for 8 weeks (3 and 6 mg/day) was found to be safe and well tolerated. Plasma β-cryptoxanthin concentration was significantly higher in the 6 mg/day group (9.0 ± 4.1 µmol/L) compared to 3 mg/day group (6.0 ± 2.6 µmol/L) (p < 0.03), and placebo (0.4 ± 0.1 µmol/L) (p < 0.001) after 8 weeks. Plasma all-trans retinol, α-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin levels were not significantly changed. No effects were found on blood retinol-dependent gene expression, mood, physical activity and sleep, metabolic parameters, and fecal microbial composition.CONCLUSIONS:Oral β-cryptoxanthin supplementation over 8 weeks lead to high plasma concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin, with no impact on other carotenoids, and was well tolerated in healthy women.

Background: Vitamin B inadequacies and elevated homocysteine status have been associated with impaired cognitive and cardiometabolic health with aging. There is, however, a scarcity of research investigating integrated profiles of one-carbon (1C) metabolites in this context, including metabolites of interconnected folate, methionine, choline oxidation, and transsulfuration pathways.Objectives: The study aimed to examine associations between vitamins B and 1C metabolites with cardiometabolic health and cognitive function in healthy older adults, including the interactive effects of Apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 status.Methods: Three hundred and thirteen healthy participants (65-74 y, 65% female) were analyzed. Vitamins B were estimated according to dietary intake (4-d food records) and biochemical status (serum folate and vitamin B-12). Fasting plasma 1C metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Measures of cardiometabolic health included biochemical (lipid panel, blood glucose) and anthropometric markers. Cognitive function was assessed by the Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Associations were analyzed using multivariate linear (COMPASS, cardiometabolic health) and Poisson (MoCA) regression modeling.Results: Over 90% of participants met dietary recommendations for riboflavin and vitamins B(6 )and B-12, but only 78% of males and 67% of females achieved adequate folate intakes. Higher serum folate and plasma betaine and glycine concentrations were associated with favorable cardiometabolic markers, whereas higher plasma choline and homocysteine concentrations were associated with greater cardiometabolic risk based on body mass index and serum lipids concentration values (P< 0.05). Vitamins B and homocysteine were not associated with cognitive performance in this cohort, though higher glycine concentrations were associated with better global cognitive performance (P = 0.017), episodic memory (P = 0.016), and spatial memory (P = 0.027) scores. Apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 status did not modify the relationship between vitamins B or 1C metabolites with cognitive function in linear regression analyses.Conclusions: Vitamin B and 1C metabolite profiles showed divergent associations with cardiometabolic risk markers and limited associations with cognitive performance in this cohort of healthy older adults.

Background Metabolomic dysregulation following a meal in overweight individuals with the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) involves multiple pathways of nutrient storage and oxidation. Objective The aim of the current study was to perform an acute cross-over intervention to examine the interactive actions of meal glycaemic load (GL) on the dynamic responses of the plasma metabolome in overweight females. Methods Postmenopausal women [63 ± 1.23y; Healthy ( n = 20) and MetS ( n = 20)] ingested two differing high-carbohydrate test meals (73 g carbohydrate; 51% energy) composed of either low glycemic index (LGI) or high (HGI) foods in a randomised sequence. Plasma metabolome was analysed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Results In the overweight women with MetS, there were suppressed postprandial responses for several amino acids (AAs), including phenylalanine, leucine, valine, and tryptophan, p < 0.05 ), irrespective of the meal type. Meal GL exerted a limited impact on the overall metabolomic response, although the postprandial levels of alanine were higher with the low GL meal and uric acid was greater following the high GL meal ( p < 0.05 ). Conclusions MetS participants exhibited reduced differences in the concentrations of a small set of AAs and a limited group of metabolites implicated in energy metabolism following the meals. However, the manipulation of meal GL had minimal impact on the postprandial metabolome. This study suggests that the GL of a meal is not a major determinant of postprandial response, with a greater impact exerted by the metabolic health of the individual. Trial registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615001108505 (21/10/2015)

Cold water immersion (CWI) following intense exercise is a common athletic recovery practice. However, CWI impacts muscle adaptations to exercise training, with attenuated muscle hypertrophy and increased angiogenesis. Tissue temperature modulates the abundance of specific miRNA species and thus CWI may affect muscle adaptations via modulating miRNA expression following a bout of exercise. The current study focused on the regulatory mechanisms involved in cleavage and nuclear export of mature miRNA, including DROSHA, EXPORTIN-5, and DICER. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis of young males (n = 9) at rest and at 2, 4, and 48 h of recovery from an acute bout of resistance exercise, followed by either 10 min of active recovery (ACT) at ambient temperature or CWI at 10°C. The abundance of key miRNA species in the regulation of intracellular anabolic signaling (miR-1 and miR-133a) and angiogenesis (miR-15a and miR-126) were measured, along with several gene targets implicated in satellite cell dynamics (NCAM and PAX7) and angiogenesis (VEGF and SPRED-1). When compared to ACT, CWI suppressed mRNA expression of DROSHA (24 h p = 0.025 and 48 h p = 0.017), EXPORTIN-5 (24 h p = 0.008), and DICER (24 h p = 0.0034). Of the analyzed miRNA species, miR-133a (24 h p < 0.001 and 48 h p = 0.007) and miR-126 (24 h p < 0.001 and 48 h p < 0.001) remained elevated at 24 h post-exercise in the CWI trial only. Potential gene targets of these miRNA, however, did not differ between trials. CWI may therefore impact miRNA abundance in skeletal muscle, although the precise physiological relevance needs further investigation.

Background: Evidence is accumulating that intake of animal-based and plant-based proteins has different effects on cardiometabolic health, but less is known about the health effect of isocaloric substitution of animal-based and plant-based proteins. Data from Asian populations are limited. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of isocaloric substitution of total plant-based proteins for total and various animal-based protein food groups and to evaluate the effects of substituting protein from legumes and pulses for various animal-based protein food groups on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and predicted 10-y CVD risk. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data collected from 9211 Singapore residents (aged 21-75 y) from the Singapore Multi-Ethnic Cohort. Data on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were collected using questionnaires. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated FFQ. BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured during a physical examination, and blood samples were collected to measure lipid profiles. Associations were assessed by substitution models using a multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Isocaloric substitution of total plant-based proteins for total and all specific animal-based protein food groups were associated with lower BMI (beta: -0.30; 95% CI: -0.38, -0.22), waist circumference (beta: -0.85; 95% CI: -1.04, -0.66), and LDL cholesterol concentrations (beta: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.08, -0.05) (P < 0.0056). Replacement of processed meat and processed seafood proteins with total plant-based proteins was associated with improvement in most CVD risk factors and predicted 10-y CVD risk. Replacement of oily fish with legume proteins was associated with lower HDL cholesterol and higher TG concentrations. Conclusions: The substitution of plant-based proteins for animal-based proteins, especially from processed meat and processed seafood, was inversely associated with the established CVD risk factors such as BMI, waist circumference, and lipid concentrations and predicted 10-y CVD risk. These findings warrant further investigation in independent studies in other Asian populations.

BackgroundSheep milk (SM) is an alternate dairy source, which despite many similarities, has both compositional and structural differences in lipids compared to cow milk (CM). Studies are yet to examine the apparent digestibility of SM lipids, relative to CM, and the potential impact on the plasma lipidome.ObjectiveTo determine the response of the circulatory lipidome to equal volume servings of SM and CM, in females who avoid dairy products.MethodIn a double-blinded, randomized, cross-over trial, self-described dairy avoiding females (n = 30; 24.4 ± 1.1 years) drank SM or CM (650 mL; 33.4 vs. 21.3 g total lipid content; reconstituted from spray dried milk powders) following an overnight fast. Blood samples were collected at fasting and at regular intervals over 4 h after milk consumption. The plasma lipidome was analyzed by LC-MS and fatty acids were quantified by GC-FID.ResultsThe overall postprandial triglyceride (TG) response was similar between SM and CM. TG concentrations were comparable at fasting for both groups, however they were higher after CM consumption at 30 min (interaction milk × time p = 0.003), well before any postprandial lipemic response. This was despite greater quantities provided by SM. However, there were notable differences in the postprandial fatty acid response, with SM leading to an increase in short- and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) (C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0) and several long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) (C18:1 t11, c9, t11-CLA, and C20:0; interaction time × milk p < 0.05). This corresponded to a greater postprandial response for medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) C10:0, including TG(10:0/14:0/18:1), TG(16:0/10:0/12:0), and TG(16:0/10:0/14:0) (interaction time × milk p < 0.05).ConclusionsDespite a higher fat content, SM ingestion resulted in a greater circulating abundance of MCTs, without increasing total postprandial triglyceride response, when compared to CM. The greater abundance and postprandial appearance of MCTs may provide advantageous metabolic responses in children and adults.Unique identifier and registryU1111-1209-7768; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375324.