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Journal of Human Nutrition and... Feb 2024The prevalence of obesity is rising globally and effective strategies to treat obesity are needed. Intermittent fasting, a dietary intervention for weight management,...
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of obesity is rising globally and effective strategies to treat obesity are needed. Intermittent fasting, a dietary intervention for weight management, has received growing interest from the general public, as well as healthcare professionals, as a form of lifestyle intervention.
METHODS
We executed a rapid review using PUBMED database to identify systematic reviews that examined the impact of intermittent fasting on metabolic indices, published between 2011 and 2022.
RESULTS
Intermittent fasting leads to weight loss of a similar magnitude to continuous energy restriction. Most of the evidence shows that intermittent fasting leads to greater fat loss as measured by fat mass (kg) or body fat percentage compared to an ad libitum diet, but fat loss attained during intermittent fasting is not significantly different to continuous energy restriction, although recent evidence shows intermittent fasting to be superior. There is mixed evidence for the impact of intermittent fasting on insulin resistance, fasting glucose and lipid profile. Some studies focused on populations of Muslim people, which showed that Ramadan fasting may lead to weight loss and improvement of metabolic parameters during fasting, although the effects are reversed when fasting is finished.
CONCLUSIONS
Intermittent fasting is more effective than an ad libitum dietary intake, and equally or more effective as continuous energy restriction, for weight management. However, there is inconclusive evidence on whether intermittent fasting has a clinically beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism.
Topics: Humans; Intermittent Fasting; Obesity; Fasting; Weight Loss; Glucose; Caloric Restriction
PubMed: 37786321
DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13253 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Nov 2023The microbes that reside in our human body make up our microbiota, and their genes are known as the microbiome. The gut microbiota is involved in a wide variety of...
The microbes that reside in our human body make up our microbiota, and their genes are known as the microbiome. The gut microbiota is involved in a wide variety of functions. At present there is considerable evidence indicating that in the last 60 years there has been an important change in the composition of our microbiota. Dietary changes have been shown to have important effects on the microbiota in a very short space of time. The Mediterranean diet pattern causes changes in the microbiota towards a healthier profile. The changes induced by the Mediterranean diet could be explained, to a large extent, by its richness in polyphenols.
Topics: Humans; Microbiota; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Diet, Mediterranean; Nutritional Status; Polyphenols; Diet
PubMed: 37929905
DOI: 10.20960/nh.04946 -
Nutrients May 2024Infertility affects 15% of the population in developed countries, and its prevalence is increasing. Fertility can be influenced by different factors. Although key... (Review)
Review
Infertility affects 15% of the population in developed countries, and its prevalence is increasing. Fertility can be influenced by different factors. Although key factors like maternal age cannot be changed, there is growing evidence that other modifiable factors, such as diet, can have an impact on fertility. Diet has become increasingly important in recent years for a number of reasons: the new trend toward a healthy lifestyle, the higher prevalence of certain digestive disorders, a lack of time that leads people to consume more prepared and processed food, and personal choice to not eat meat, among others. To meet these needs, several diets have recently become popular, such as the Mediterranean diet, known as the gold standard of health; the DASH diet, known for preventing hypertension; the Western diet, characterized by processed food; the ketogenic diet, characterized by low carbohydrate intake; and the vegetarian diet, which is the choice for people who do not eat meat or animal by-products. Diets present a unique composition characterized by the presence or absence of specific nutrients, which have also been associated with male and female fertility individually. This review assesses the impact of these diets and of macro- and micronutrients on both female and male fertility.
Topics: Humans; Female; Fertility; Diet, Mediterranean; Male; Diet, Vegetarian; Diet; Diet, Western; Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension; Diet, Ketogenic; Infertility; Diet, Healthy
PubMed: 38892663
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111726 -
Indian Heart Journal Mar 2024The rising burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has made the achievement of optimal lipoprotein levels a major public health priority. As nearly a fifth of global... (Review)
Review
The rising burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has made the achievement of optimal lipoprotein levels a major public health priority. As nearly a fifth of global mortality is associated with dietary factors, and recommendations have been mired in controversy, a fresh look on the available data is attempted. Well established concepts regarding nutrition and cardiometabolic health, role of macronutrients, calories, and controversial foods are discussed followed by recommendations in the Indian context. A healthy dietary pattern rather than individual foods or nutrients is emphasized, and this is generally plant based with optional consumption of dairy, eggs, and meats within the suggested limits. Suggestions/recommendations are given for consumption of individual foods, remembering that choosing appropriate replacement foods is as important as restricting unhealthy foods.
Topics: Humans; Diet; Food; Energy Intake; Dyslipidemias; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 38122980
DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2023.12.005 -
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental Aug 2023The capacity of a polyphenol-enriched diet to modulate the epigenome in vivo is partly unknown. Given the beneficial metabolic effects of a Mediterranean (MED) diet... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The capacity of a polyphenol-enriched diet to modulate the epigenome in vivo is partly unknown. Given the beneficial metabolic effects of a Mediterranean (MED) diet enriched in polyphenols and reduced in red/processed meat (green-MED), as previously been proven by the 18-month DIRECT PLUS randomized controlled trial, we analyzed the effects of the green-MED diet on methylome and transcriptome levels to highlight molecular mechanisms underlying the observed metabolic improvements.
METHODS
Our study included 260 participants (baseline BMI = 31.2 kg/m, age = 5 years) of the DIRECT PLUS trial, initially randomized to one of the intervention arms: A. healthy dietary guidelines (HDG), B. MED (440 mg polyphenols additionally provided by walnuts), C. green-MED (1240 mg polyphenols additionally provided by walnuts, green tea, and Mankai: green duckweed shake). Blood methylome and transcriptome of all study subjects were analyzed at baseline and after completing the 18-month intervention using Illumina EPIC and RNA sequencing technologies.
RESULTS
A total of 1573 differentially methylated regions (DMRs; false discovery rate (FDR) < 5 %) were found in the green-MED compared to the MED (177) and HDG (377) diet participants. This corresponded to 1753 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; FDR < 5 %) in the green-MED intervention compared to MED (7) and HDG (738). Consistently, the highest number (6 %) of epigenetic modulating genes was transcriptionally changed in subjects participating in the green-MED intervention. Weighted cluster network analysis relating transcriptional and phenotype changes among participants subjected to the green-MED intervention identified candidate genes associated with serum-folic acid change (all P < 1 × 10) and highlighted one module including the KIR3DS1 locus, being negatively associated with the polyphenol changes (e.g. P < 1 × 10), but positively associated with the MRI-assessed superficial subcutaneous adipose area-, weight- and waist circumference- 18-month change (all P < 0.05). Among others, this module included the DMR gene Cystathionine Beta-Synthase, playing a major role in homocysteine reduction.
CONCLUSIONS
The green-MED high polyphenol diet, rich in green tea and Mankai, renders a high capacity to regulate an individual's epigenome. Our findings suggest epigenetic key drivers such as folate and green diet marker to mediate this capacity and indicate a direct effect of dietary polyphenols on the one‑carbon metabolism.
Topics: Humans; Diet, Mediterranean; Polyphenols; Diet; Obesity; Tea; Epigenesis, Genetic
PubMed: 37236302
DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155594 -
Nutrients Nov 2023This observational cross-sectional study was designed to explore the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) and a low-fat diet (LFD) on... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
This observational cross-sectional study was designed to explore the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) and a low-fat diet (LFD) on metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
METHODS
This study involved 3961 adults. The associations between LCD/LFD scores and MAFLD were evaluated utilizing a multivariable logistic regression model. Additionally, a leave-one-out model was applied to assess the effect of isocaloric substitution of specific macronutrients.
RESULTS
Participants within the highest tertile of healthy LCD scores (0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.89) or with a healthy LFD score (0.64; 95%CI, 0.48-0.86) faced a lower MAFLD risk. Furthermore, compared with tertile 1, individuals with unhealthy LFD scores in terile 2 or tertile 3 had 49% (95%CI, 1.17-1.90) and 77% (95%CI, 1.19-2.63) higher risk levels for MAFLD, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Healthy LCD and healthy LFD are protective against MAFLD, while unhealthy LFD can increase the risk of MAFLD. Both the quantity and quality of macronutrients might have significant influences on MAFLD.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Diet, Fat-Restricted; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Nutrients; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Carbohydrates
PubMed: 38004162
DOI: 10.3390/nu15224763 -
United European Gastroenterology Journal Sep 2023Lifestyle modification comprising calorie restriction (CR) and increased physical activity enabling weight loss is the first-line of treatment for non-alcoholic fatty... (Review)
Review
Lifestyle modification comprising calorie restriction (CR) and increased physical activity enabling weight loss is the first-line of treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, CR alone is not optimal and evidence suggests that dietary pattern and composition are also critical in NAFLD management. Accordingly, high consumption of red and processed meat, saturated fat, added sugar, and sweetened beverages are associated with an increased risk of developing NAFLD and hepatocellular carcinoma, while other foods and compounds such as fish, olive oil, and polyphenols are, in contrast, beneficial for metabolic disorders. Therefore, several dietary interventions have been studied in order to determine which strategy would be the most beneficial for NAFLD. The evidence regarding the effectiveness of different dietary interventions such as low carbohydrate/low-fat diet, time-restricted eating diet, CR, and the well-studied Mediterranean diet is summarized.
Topics: Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Exercise; Weight Loss; Diet, Mediterranean; Dietary Patterns
PubMed: 37491835
DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12443 -
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research Mar 2024The Mediterranean diet, which was born in the Mediterranean basin, was initially quite poor and simple, essentially based on the products that grew almost spontaneously... (Review)
Review
The Mediterranean diet, which was born in the Mediterranean basin, was initially quite poor and simple, essentially based on the products that grew almost spontaneously along the shores of the Mediterranean, i.e., olives, grapes, and wheat, which were long cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The invasions of the Roman Empire by barbarian populations, between 400 and 800 AD, made the diet enriched with products from wild uncultivated areas, meat from game and pigs, and vegetables. With the arrival of the Arabs in southern Italy in the ninth century, the focus of the diet shifted to carbohydrates, particularly to dried pasta and to other new ingredients. The Arabs primarily brought a new imaginative spirit to the kitchen by introducing and using an infinity of condiments and seasonings. The discovery of the Americas and the arrival of new ingredients from the New World brought the final adjustments to the Mediterranean diet: new meat (turkey), new vegetables (potatoes, broad beans, corn, tomatoes,) new fruits (strawberries, pineapples, coconuts, peanuts), chocolate, coffee and sugar completed the list of components of the Mediterranean diet as we know it today.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Diet, Mediterranean; Diet; Vegetables; Fruit; Mediterranean Region; Italy
PubMed: 38520653
DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02686-3 -
Nutrients Nov 2023As the global population ages, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is surging. These disorders have a multifaceted pathogenesis, entwined with genetic and... (Review)
Review
As the global population ages, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is surging. These disorders have a multifaceted pathogenesis, entwined with genetic and environmental factors. Emerging research underscores the profound influence of diet on the development and progression of health conditions. Intermittent fasting (IF), a dietary pattern that is increasingly embraced and recommended, has demonstrated potential in improving neurophysiological functions and mitigating pathological injuries with few adverse effects. Although the precise mechanisms of IF's beneficial impact are not yet completely understood, gut microbiota and their metabolites are believed to be pivotal in mediating these effects. This review endeavors to thoroughly examine current studies on the shifts in gut microbiota and metabolite profiles prompted by IF, and their possible consequences for neural health. It also highlights the significance of dietary strategies as a clinical consideration for those with neurological conditions.
Topics: Humans; Intermittent Fasting; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Diet; Neurodegenerative Diseases
PubMed: 38068773
DOI: 10.3390/nu15234915 -
PloS One 2023A substantial body of evidence points to the heritability of dietary preferences. While vegetarianism has been practiced for millennia in various societies, its...
A substantial body of evidence points to the heritability of dietary preferences. While vegetarianism has been practiced for millennia in various societies, its practitioners remain a small minority of people worldwide, and the role of genetics in choosing a vegetarian diet is not well understood. Dietary choices involve an interplay between the physiologic effects of dietary items, their metabolism, and taste perception, all of which are strongly influenced by genetics. In this study, we used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify loci associated with strict vegetarianism in UK Biobank participants. Comparing 5,324 strict vegetarians to 329,455 controls, we identified one SNP on chromosome 18 that is associated with vegetarianism at the genome-wide significant level (rs72884519, β = -0.11, P = 4.997 x 10-8), and an additional 201 suggestively significant variants. Four genes are associated with rs72884519: TMEM241, RIOK3, NPC1, and RMC1. Using the Functional Mapping and Annotation (FUMA) platform and the Multi-marker Analysis of GenoMic Annotation (MAGMA) tool, we identified 34 genes with a possible role in vegetarianism, 3 of which are GWAS-significant based on gene-level analysis: RIOK3, RMC1, and NPC1. Several of the genes associated with vegetarianism, including TMEM241, NPC1, and RMC1, have important functions in lipid metabolism and brain function, raising the possibility that differences in lipid metabolism and their effects on the brain may underlie the ability to subsist on a vegetarian diet. These results support a role for genetics in choosing a vegetarian diet and open the door to future studies aimed at further elucidating the physiologic pathways involved in vegetarianism.
Topics: Humans; Genome-Wide Association Study; Diet, Vegetarian; Diet; Diet, Vegan; Brain
PubMed: 37792698
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291305