Consumer demand and use of mushrooms and their extracts for health promotion is increasing in the United States and worldwide. In order to further advance the science and quality assurance of mushroom products and ingredients, analytical data is needed to identify and standardize biochemical markers. This information is also needed to help prevent fraudulent products from entering the market. Three carbohydrate compounds, two of which have not yet been noted in mushrooms, have been identified and quantified in a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia (AHCCŴ, Amino Up Co. Ltd., Sapporo, Japan). α-D-glucopyranosyl-isomaltol and α-D-maltosyl-isomaltol, collectively referred to as "active hexose correlated compound," were quantified with pure standards using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. α-Glucan content was quantified using a glucose autokit. Samples from three separate lots were analyzed. The mean concentration of α-D-glucopyranosyl-isomaltol was 990.2 + 330.1 μg/g and 184.2 + 86.8 μg/g for α-D-maltosyl-isomaltol. α-Glucan was present at 26.2 ± 0.5% of dry matter. To help prevent low-quality or counterfeit mushroom items from being sold, especially via websites, precise identification and quantification of marker compounds in medicinal mushroom extracts will support the differentiation of products, enhance research efforts and aid in consumer acceptance.

BACKGROUND:Consumption of mangos has been associated with improved diet quality, with reported reductions in systolic blood pressure and inflammatory biomarkers when consumed daily in robust amounts for six to eight weeks. Whether these changes could occur with a shorter intake period is unknown. METHODS:This study explored the effect of two weeks of mango intake (330 g/d) on microvascular function and cardiometabolic markers in a group of relatively healthy postmenopausal women with an overweight or obese body mass index. Outcomes were compared to two weeks of baseline measures without mango intake. RESULTS:The primary outcome measure, microvascular function did not significantly change, while supine systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, mean pulse pressure, and fasting cholesterol were significantly reduced. No significant changes in platelet aggregation or adhesion markers were noted. To explore the results further, a small probe study was conducted comparing the intake of mango to a calorically-equivalent amount of white bread. Blood glucose rose in both groups one hour after consumption, but significantly less after mango intake. Insulin levels also rose one hour after intake of both foods, but remained elevated in response to white bread, suggesting a moderating effect of mangos on glucose absorption and metabolism. CONCLUSIONS:Further research using amounts of mango typically consumed, over an extended period of time, are warranted.

Strawberries provide a number of potential health promoting phytonutrients to include phenolics, polyphenols, fiber, micronutrients and vitamins. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of recent human studies pertaining to the intake of strawberry and strawberry phytonutrients on human health. A literature search conducted through PubMed and Cochrane databases consolidated studies focusing on the effects of strawberry intake on human health. Articles were reviewed considering pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, including experimental or observational studies that focused on health outcomes, and utilized whole strawberries or freeze-dried strawberry powder (FDSP), published between 2000-2023. Of the 60 articles included in this review, 47 were clinical trials, while 13 were observational studies. A majority of these studies reported on the influence of strawberry intake on cardiometabolic outcomes. Study designs included those examining the influence of strawberry intake during the postprandial period, short-term trials randomized with a control, or a single arm intake period controlling with a low polyphenolic diet or no strawberry intake. A smaller proportion of studies included in this review examined the influence of strawberry intake on additional outcomes of aging including bone and brain health, and cancer risk. Data support that the inclusion of strawberries into the diet can have positive impacts during the postprandial period, with daily intake improving outcomes of lipid metabolism and inflammation in those at increased cardiovascular risk.

Consumption of nuts and berries are considered part of a healthy eating pattern. Nuts and berries contain a complex nutrient profile consisting of essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phenolics in quantities that improve physiological outcomes. The spectrum of health outcomes that may be impacted by the consumptions of nuts and berries includes cardiovascular, gut microbiome, and cognitive, among others. Recently, new insights regarding the bioactive compounds found in both nuts and berries have reinforced their role for use in precision nutrition efforts. However, challenges exist that can affect the generalizability of outcomes from clinical studies, including inconsistency in study designs, homogeneity of test populations, variability in test products and control foods, and assessing realistic portion sizes. Future research centered on precision nutrition and multi-omics technologies will yield new insights. These and other topics such as funding streams and perceived risk-of-bias were explored at an international nutrition conference focused on the role of nuts and berries in clinical nutrition. Successes, challenges, and future directions with these foods are presented here.

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are three xanthophyll carotenoid pigments that selectively concentrate in the center of the retina. Humans cannot synthesize lutein and zeaxanthin, so these compounds must be obtained from the diet or supplements, with meso-zeaxanthin being converted from lutein in the macula. Xanthophylls are major components of macular pigments that protect the retina through the provision of oxidant defense and filtering of blue light. The accumulation of these three xanthophylls in the central macula can be quantified with non-invasive methods, such as macular pigment optical density (MPOD). MPOD serves as a useful tool for assessing risk for, and progression of, age-related macular degeneration, the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. Dietary surveys suggest that the dietary intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin are decreasing. In addition to low dietary intake, pregnancy and lactation may compromise the lutein and zeaxanthin status of both the mother and infant. Lutein is found in modest amounts in some orange- and yellow-colored vegetables, yellow corn products, and in egg yolks, but rich sources of zeaxanthin are not commonly consumed. Goji berries contain the highest known levels of zeaxanthin of any food, and regular intake of these bright red berries may help protect against the development of age-related macular degeneration through an increase in MPOD. The purpose of this review is to summarize the protective function of macular xanthophylls in the eye, speculate on the compounds’ role in maternal and infant health, suggest the establishment of recommended dietary values for lutein and zeaxanthin, and introduce goji berries as a rich food source of zeaxanthin.

Moderate red wine intake has been associated with lower cardiovascular mortality, due in part to the intake of polyphenols and anthocyanins, whose content can vary from varietal and year of harvest. This study assessed the vascular effects in response to a single intake of 2015 and 2018 Zweigelt red wines from Hokkaido, Japan. Healthy men were randomly assigned to consume 240 mL each of a red wine, or a sparkling white grape juice as a control in a randomized three-arm cross-over design with a 7 day washout between arms. The augmentation index (AI; a measure of arterial stiffness) and AI at 75 beats/min (AI75), reactive hyperemia index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), and platelet reactivity were assessed at baseline and two and four hours after each beverage intake. Changes from the baseline were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Significant treatment effects (p = 0.02) were observed, with AI 13% lower after the intake of the 2015 or 2018 vintages compared to the control. Intake of the 2018 vintage reduced SBP and DBP (−4.1 mmHg and −5.6 mmHg, respectively; p = 0.02) compared to the 2015 wine and the control drink. The amount of hydroxytyrosol in the 2018 wine was almost twice the amount as in the 2015 wine, which may help explain the variable blood pressure results. Future studies exploring the vascular effects of the same red wine from different vintage years and different phenolic profiles are warranted.

The potential role of plant-based foods in the promotion of skin health is an emerging area of nutrition research. Plant-based foods are rich in bioactive compounds, including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, polyphenols, and phenolic acids, which can contribute to oxidant defense, lower inflammation, and promote structural support of the skin. Epidemiological studies have associated higher intakes of select fruits and vegetables with positive skin health. Beneficial effects of certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and polyphenolic-rich beverages on the skin have been reported, with each of these providing a unique phytochemical composition. Although most studies use extracts, this review will focus on data from whole foods and minimally processed products. Collectively, the evidence to date suggests a promising future for plant-based dietary interventions that promote skin barrier health and function. However, additional research is required to address issues such as the optimal quality and duration of intake as well as potential mechanisms. Studies in the above areas will help formulate specific targeted dietary recommendations.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a biomarker for AMD, is a non-invasive measure to assess risk. The macula xanthophyll pigments lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) protect against blue light and provide oxidant defense, which can be indexed by MPOD. This study examined the effects of Z-rich goji berry intake on MPOD and skin carotenoids in healthy individuals. A randomized, unmasked, parallel-arm study was conducted with 27 participants, aged 45–65, who consumed either 28 g of goji berries or a supplement containing 6 mg L and 4 mg Z (LZ), five times weekly for 90 days. After 90 days, MPOD was significantly increased in the goji berry group at 0.25 and 1.75 retinal eccentricities (p = 0.029 and p = 0.044, respectively), while no changes were noted in the LZ group. Skin carotenoids were significantly increased in the goji berry group at day 45 (p = 0.025) and day 90 (p = 0.006), but not in the LZ group. Regular intake of goji berries in a healthy middle-aged population increases MPOD may help prevent or delay the development of AMD.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, presenting an immense public and economic burden. Studies on cardioprotective foods and their bioactive components are needed to address both personal and public health needs. Date fruit is rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, certain micronutrients, and dietary fiber, which can impact vascular health, and have the potential to attenuate vascular disease in humans. Data from in vitro and animal studies report that consumption of date fruit or extracts can modulate select markers of vascular health, particularly plasma lipid levels including triglycerides and cholesterol, indices of oxidative stress and inflammation, but human data is scant. More investigation is needed to better characterize date polyphenols and unique bioactive compounds or fractions, establish safe and effective levels of intake, and delineate underlying mechanisms of action. Implementing scientific rigor in clinical trials and assessment of functional markers of vascular disease, such as flow-mediated dilation and peripheral arterial tonometry, along with gut microbiome profiles would provide useful information with respect to human health. Emerging data supports the notion that intake of date fruit and extracts can be a useful component of a healthy lifestyle for those seeking beneficial effects on vascular health.

The potential cardiovascular benefit of virgin olive oil (VOO) is widely recognized. However, the use of VOO at very high cooking temperatures makes these oils poorly suited for many Asian dishes. The use of tea seed oil (TSO) is increasing in Thailand, with TSO having a higher smoke point than VOO. The current study examines the effects of daily TSO intake in healthy adults. In a randomized, single-blind crossover design, 12 men consumed for 3 weeks 40 g day(-1) of food prepared with either TSO or VOO as a cooking oil. Plasma lipids, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and oxidant defense enzyme activities are measured before and after each 3-week intervention period. Gas chromatography analysis of TSO and VOO demonstrates that both oils are equally high in monounsaturated fatty acid. The dietary incorporation of TSO and VOO for three weeks reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations by 15% and 13%, respectively; with total cholesterol (TC) levels lowered by 10% in both groups. No significant changes in TBARS or antioxidant enzyme activity is observed. These results support the concept that Thai TSO can be utilized as a suitable and healthy alternative oil for high-temperature cooking in many Thai and Asian diets. Practical Applications: Tea seed oil from Camellia oleifera grown in Thailand has been recently reported to favorably lower lipid profiles in hamsters fed a high-fat diet in a manner similar to feeding refined olive oil or grapeseed oil. A pilot crossover trial is conducted to compare the effects of three weeks of daily intake of either TSO or VOO in healthy human adults. Consumption of both oils produced significant reductions in TC and LDL-C. Thai TSO leads to favorable lipid profiles and is a reasonable choice for many Thai and Asian food recipes.

Sorghum is a nutrient-rich grain shown to improve growth and alleviate malnutrition in clinical studies; however, starch-protein interactions can limit its protein digestibility. Extrusion can help to improve protein availability from some foods. Three probe feeding studies were conducted to assess amino acid availability from extruded sorghum flour using postprandial plasma amino acid concentrations. For each study, a randomized crossover design with a one-week washout period was used to determine responses in healthy men aged 21-34 yr following intake of either extruded (EX) or conventional (CON) sorghum flour. In probe 1 (P1) and probe 2 (P2), men consumed 34 g (n=2) or 68 g (n=3) of flour, with plasma amino acid concentrations determined every 30 min for 180 min. A third probe (P3) provided 68 g (n=4) of flour, and samples for both plasma amino acids and glucose were collected every 15 min for 90 min. Responses were calculated as both the area-under-the-curve (AUC) and the incremental AUC (iAUC). In all three probes, amino acid responses were similar between the flours. The plasma glucose AUC was significantly greater from EX compared to CON, but the iAUCs between them were not significantly different. In these initial probe trials, a small sample size, along with individual variability in responses may explain the lack of differences in patterns of postprandial amino acids. Additional research on extrusion techniques and response measures is warranted.

Mangos are rich in β-carotene and other carotenoids, along with several phenolic acids that may provide oxidant defense and photoprotection to the skin. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of Ataulfo mango intake on the development of facial wrinkles and erythema. A randomized two-group parallel-arm study was conducted to assess 16 weeks of either 85 g or 250 g of mango intake in healthy postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin type II or III. Facial photographs were captured at weeks 0, 8, and 16, and wrinkles at the lateral canthi and erythema at the cheeks were quantified. Skin carotenoid values were measured with reflection spectroscopy. Deep wrinkle severity decreased significantly in the 85 g group after 8 (p = 0.007) and 16 (p = 0.03) weeks compared to baseline measures. In contrast, those in the 250 g group showed an increase after 16 weeks in average wrinkle severity (p = 0.049), average wrinkle length (p = 0.007), fine wrinkle severity (p = 0.02), and emerging wrinkle severity (p = 0.02). Erythema in the cheeks increased with 85 g of mango intake (p = 0.04). The intake of 85 g of mangos reduced wrinkles in fair-skinned postmenopausal women, while an intake of 250 g showed the opposite effect. Further studies feeding 85 g of mangos are warranted.

To investigate the effects of mango intake on skin wrinkles (SW) and skin carotenoids (C) in postmenopausal women. A randomized, two-arm parallel study was conducted to assess 16 weeks (wk) of mango intake on SW development in the left and right lateral canthus (crow's feet) of healthy postmenopausal women, aged 50 to 70. Participants consumed either 85 g (0.5 cup) or 250 g (1.5 cup) of mangos, 4 times/wk. High-resolution facial images were captured at baseline, 8 wk, and 16 wk. SW were separated into three categories: Average (A), Fine (F), and Emerging (E) with indices of length (L), width (W) and severity (S). F lines were defined as medium contrast wrinkles, while E lines were low contrast wrinkles, both at a minimum length of 2.6 mm. The A SW was the mean contrast of all pixels of a SW. S was calculated as contrast multiplied by L. C values were measured with Raman spectroscopy and participants were separated into low baseline carotenoid (<383 nm; LBC) or high baseline carotenoid (>383 nm; HBC) groups. Participants started the study either in the Fall (Sep 1 – Nov 30) or Winter (Dec 1 – Feb 28) season. SW changes with mango intake were analyzed using One Way ANCOVA with the change in carotenoids, baseline BMI and season as covariates. Among women in the LBC group, SW L was differentially affected by mango intake, with an increase in L in the 250 g group compared to decreased L in the 85 g group (left AL: 8wk, P = 0.026 and 16 wk, P = 0.014; left FL: 8 wk, P = 0.009 and 16 wk, P = 0.048). These specific SW were not significantly changed in the HBC group. A positive correlation between C and left FS (r = 0.434, P = 0.027) was seen in 85 g group, while C was positively correlated with SW L and S with 250 g of intake. This includes left AL (r = 0.407, P = 0.039), left FS (r = 0.381, P = 0.054) and right ES (r = 0.479, P = 0.008). After 16 wk, women with LBC had a significant increase in C (P = 0.017) with 250 g compared to 85 g of mango intake. No changes in C were noted for the HBC group (P = 0.909). Among women with baseline LBC, reduction in SW were observed with 85 g, but not 250 g, of mango intake. Confirmation of these results in a controlled dietary intervention trial are warranted. National Mango Board.

Zeaxanthin (Z) and lutein (L) are xanthophyll carotenoids that function in part as macular pigments. Goji berries (Lycium Barbarum) are rich in zeaxanthin, and contain lutein, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin. High intakes of Z and L have been associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration. We assessed the impact of 3 months of 5 times per week intake of 28 g goji berry (GB), or a supplement providing 4 mg of Z and 6 mg of L (ZL) on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and skin carotenoids (SC) in healthy adults aged 45–65 y old. A randomized, open-labeled, parallel-arm pilot study was conducted at UC Davis. Study visits at baseline (SV1), and at 45 d (SV2) and 90 d (SV3) used heterochromatic flicker photometry to measure MPOD at 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 1.75 retinal eccentricities (RE), and Raman spectroscopy for SC. Between group changes within each treatment group were assessed with one-way Repeated Measures ANOVA with the Holm-Sidak post-hoc method. To date, 6 males and 13 females have been assessed. SC was not significantly different between the groups at SV1. The GB group showed a significant increase in SC at 45 d and 90 d compared to baseline (350.6 ± 138.4 SV1 vs. 400.6 ± 131.5 SV2 vs. 409.6 ± 156.6 SV3, P < 0.001, n = 11). No significant changes in SC were found in the ZL group (P = 0.2, n = 8). MPOD did not differ between any RE at any time point for either group. MPOD was positively and significantly correlated (Pearson's or Spearman's correlation) with SC at 0.25 (r = 0.49, P = 0.004), 0.5 (rho = 0.48, P = 0.005) and 1 (rho = 0.45, P = 0.008) RE in the GB group. SC was also significantly correlated with MPOD in the ZL group at 0.25 (rho = 0.43, P = 0.038) and 1 (r = 0.41, P = 0.047) RE. We report preliminary results that goji berry intake increases skin carotenoids. These data confirm that Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool for the relationship of skin carotenoids with dietary carotenoid intake, as well as changes in skin carotenoids with macular pigment optical density. UC Davis, Department of Nutrition.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States and much of the developed world, costing billions of dollars in lost work time, lower productivity and high health care expenditures. Research on foods and bioactive food components that have cardioprotective benefits may provide new insights as to how modest changes in one's diet may result in a reduced risk of vascular disease. In intervention trials, the consumption of strawberries, either fresh or freeze-dried, has been reported to improve select markers of cardiovascular health, including improved lipid profiles, microvascular function, and platelet reactivity. Consistent with the above, epidemiological studies suggest beneficial effects of strawberries on vascular function. Preliminary studies on the effects of freeze-dried strawberry powder on vascular health are reviewed in the current paper.

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease are global health burdens, with postmenopausal women being at great risk. Dried plums/prunes (DPs) have been reported to provide bone health benefits in animal models, which is consistent with in vitro models. Data from human studies suggest that DP intake can enhance lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory, and oxidant defense systems, which can impact cardiovascular health. We tested the hypothesis that short-term consumption of low and reasonable levels of DPs augments bone resorption and vascular function. Twenty-seven healthy, postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume six DPs (∼42 g) or two DPs (∼14 g) per day for 2 weeks, then a 2-week washout period and then crossed over. Serum C-telopeptide, beta-crosslinked (CTX) was used as a measure of bone resorption. Peripheral artery tonometry (PAT) was used to assess microvascular function. The pattern of changes in CTX in the second 2-week period (no change or decline) differed significantly from the pattern in the first 2 weeks (increases in both groups; F = 9.26, P = .006), suggesting a trend in CTX reduction (i.e., a decrease in bone resorption) in those consuming six DPs per day in the second phase. No effects on vascular function were noted. A significant interaction was observed for the augmentation index, a measure of arterial stiffness, between treatment and years after menopause (P = .045). The results suggest a potentially favorable impact of DPs on bone health when assessed with a short-term, crossover study design in postmenopausal women. Given the novel assessments used in this study, follow-up studies are warranted.