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Behavioural Brain Research May 2024Creatine supplementation has been put forward as a possible aid to cognition, particularly for vegans, vegetarians, the elderly, sleep deprived and hypoxic individuals.... (Review)
Review
Creatine supplementation has been put forward as a possible aid to cognition, particularly for vegans, vegetarians, the elderly, sleep deprived and hypoxic individuals. However, previous narrative reviews have only provided limited support for these claims. This is despite the fact that research has shown that creatine supplementation can induce increased brain concentrations of creatine, albeit to a limited extent. We carried out a systematic review to examine the current state of affairs. The review supported claims that creatine supplementation can increases brain creatine content but also demonstrated somewhat equivocal results for effects on cognition. It does, however, provide evidence to suggest that more research is required with stressed populations, as supplementation does appear to significantly affect brain content. Issues with research design, especially supplementation regimens, need to be addressed. Future research must include measurements of creatine brain content.
Topics: Creatine; Humans; Dietary Supplements; Cognition; Brain; Animals
PubMed: 38582412
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114982 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023In this overview, the latest achievements in dietary origins, absorption mechanism, bioavailability assay, health advantages, cutting-edge encapsulation techniques,... (Review)
Review
In this overview, the latest achievements in dietary origins, absorption mechanism, bioavailability assay, health advantages, cutting-edge encapsulation techniques, fortification approaches, and innovative highly sensitive sensor-based detection methods of vitamin B (VB) were addressed. The cobalt-centered vitamin B is mainly found in animal products, posing challenges for strict vegetarians and vegans. Its bioavailability is highly influenced by intrinsic factor, absorption in the ileum, and liver reabsorption. VB mainly contributes to blood cell synthesis, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health, and potentially reduces anemia and optic neuropathy. Microencapsulation techniques improve the stability and controlled release of VB. Co-microencapsulation of VB with other vitamins and bioactive compounds enhances bioavailability and controlled release, providing versatile initiatives for improving bio-functionality. Nanotechnology, including nanovesicles, nanoemulsions, and nanoparticles can enhance the delivery, stability, and bioavailability of VB in diverse applications, ranging from antimicrobial agents to skincare and oral insulin delivery. Staple food fortification with encapsulated and free VB emerges as a prominent strategy to combat deficiency and promote nutritional value. Biosensing technologies, such as electrochemical and optical biosensors, offer rapid, portable, and sensitive VB assessment. Carbon dot-based fluorescent nanosensors, nanocluster-based fluorescent probes, and electrochemical sensors show promise for precise detection, especially in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
Topics: Animals; Vitamin B 12; Food, Fortified; Delayed-Action Preparations; Vitamins; Insulin
PubMed: 38005191
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227469 -
Appetite Dec 2023Vegetarian and vegan diets have been increasing in the Western world. Recent research has focused on personality trait differences between dietary groups, in part... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Vegetarian and vegan diets have been increasing in the Western world. Recent research has focused on personality trait differences between dietary groups, in part because personality traits are broad characteristics that can integrate findings about different factors that motivate vegetarian or vegan diets. Previous research on personality predictors of vegetarian and vegan (veg*n) diet, however, has yielded inconsistent results. The goal of this study was to integrate the existing results of Big Five personality differences between veg*ns and omnivores as well as between vegetarians and vegans. To this end, we meta-analyzed data from 15 studies and N = 69,576 individuals from several countries. Results indicated that veg*ns were significantly higher in Openness (d = 0.40) and Agreeableness (d = 0.17) than omnivores, while vegans were significantly higher in Openness (d = 0.14) than vegetarians. This work isolates Openness and Agreeableness as important trait predictors of plant-based diets and sets the stage for future work on the factors that motivate vegetarian or vegan diet. Personality traits can provide an integrative framework for conceptualizing dietary preferences, be used to make predictions about the sources, course and correlates of dietary choices, and potentially be useful for advocates and policymakers seeking to tailor meat-reduction interventions.
Topics: Humans; Personality; Diet, Vegetarian; Vegetarians; Vegans; Diet, Vegan; Female; Adult; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Diet; Motivation; Food Preferences
PubMed: 37827200
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107085 -
Nutrients Oct 2023Common beans ( L.) are widely consumed in diets all over the world and have a significant impact on human health. Proteins, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and other... (Review)
Review
Common beans ( L.) are widely consumed in diets all over the world and have a significant impact on human health. Proteins, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and other micro- and macronutrients are abundant in these legumes. On the other hand, collagens, the most important constituent of extracellular matrices, account for approximately 25-30 percent of the overall total protein composition within the human body. Hence, the presence of amino acids and other dietary components, including glycine, proline, and lysine, which are constituents of the primary structure of the protein, is required for collagen formation. In this particular context, protein quality is associated with the availability of macronutrients such as the essential amino acid lysine, which can be acquired from meals containing beans. Lysine plays a critical role in the process of post-translational modifications facilitated with enzymes lysyl hydroxylase and lysyl oxidase, which are directly involved in the synthesis and maturation of collagens. Furthermore, collagen biogenesis is influenced by the cellular redox state, which includes important minerals and bioactive chemicals such as iron, copper, and certain quinone cofactors. This study provides a novel perspective on the significant macro- and micronutrients present in L., as well as explores the potential application of amino acids and cofactors derived from this legume in the production of collagens and bioavailability. The utilization of macro- and micronutrients obtained from L. as a protein source, minerals, and natural bioactive compounds could optimize the capacity to promote the development and durability of collagen macromolecules within the human body.
Topics: Humans; Phaseolus; Amino Acids; Lysine; Minerals; Collagen; Micronutrients
PubMed: 37960212
DOI: 10.3390/nu15214561 -
Public Health Nutrition Dec 2023To assess and compare the (macro-)nutritional composition of red meat (RM) and poultry meat (PM) products with the emerging category of meat substitutes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess and compare the (macro-)nutritional composition of red meat (RM) and poultry meat (PM) products with the emerging category of meat substitutes.
DESIGN
We use information on nutritional values per 100 g to estimate the differences in the nutritional composition between RM, PM, vegan meat substitute (VMS) and non-vegan meat substitute (NVMS) and derive six unique meat product clusters to enhance the comparability.
SETTING
Meat markets from five major European countries: France, Germany, UK, Italy and Spain.
PARTICIPANTS/DATA
Product innovation data for 19 941 products from Mintel's Global New Product Database from 2010 to 2020.
RESULTS
Most of the innovations in the sample are RM products (55 %), followed by poultry (30 %), VMS (11 %) and NVMS (5 %). RM products exhibit a significantly higher energy content in kcal/100 g as well as fat, saturated fat, protein and salt all in g/100 g than the meatless alternatives, while the latter contain significantly more carbohydrates and fibre than either poultry or RM. However, results differ to a certain degree when products are grouped into more homogeneous clusters like sausages, cold cuts and burgers. This indicates that general conclusions regarding the health effects of substituting meat with plant-based alternatives should only be drawn in relation to comparable products.
CONCLUSIONS
Meat substitutes, both vegan and non-vegan, are rated as ultra-processed foods. However, compared with RM products, they and also poultry products both can provide a diet that contains fewer nutrients-to-limit, like salt and saturated fats.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Meat Substitutes; Meat; Diet; Nutrients; Poultry
PubMed: 37800339
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980023001945 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Although vegan and vegetarian diets and lifestyles differ significantly from each other, among other things, notably in their respective consequences regarding animal...
INTRODUCTION
Although vegan and vegetarian diets and lifestyles differ significantly from each other, among other things, notably in their respective consequences regarding animal welfare and their ecological impact, vegans and vegetarians are often grouped together and usually compared to omnivores in psychological research. Considering that vegans and vegetarians often share similar motives for their lifestyle choices, namely animal and environmental issues, the question arises why similar motives lead to different conclusions and correspondingly different behaviors, most notably, of course, that vegetarians consume animal-derived foods such as cheese or milk while vegans do not consume animal-derived products (e.g., food, cosmetic products). This is why this study explored the psychological differences between vegans, vegetarians, and prospective vegans - the latter group being located in an intermediate, transitionary position. Focusing on the motivational, affective and cognitive components of dietary transition and participants' adherence to eating patterns, reasons for said patterns, possible hinderances to becoming vegan, the role of participants' social environments, and the impact of various misconceptions regarding the feasibility of a vegan diet in everyday life were all explored.
METHODS
An observational study was conducted via online questionnaire (1420 participants).
RESULTS
Significant differences were found between vegans, prospective vegans, and vegetarians, especially concerning their knowledge of issues pertaining to their respective lifestyles.
DISCUSSION
The critical role of knowledge is invoked as an explanation as to why vegans and vegetarians display different behaviors although they share a similar motivation. Thus, in this study the concept of vegan literacy is introduced. Additionally, the distinctive role of cheese is explored, discussing possible indications of its potentially addictive nature and, consequently, the importance of cheese as a hindering factor for pursuing a vegan diet.
PubMed: 38659691
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1163869 -
Nutrition Reviews Mar 2024Over the last decades, low vitamin B12 status has been reported in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin, the first-line therapy for lowering... (Review)
Review
Over the last decades, low vitamin B12 status has been reported in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin, the first-line therapy for lowering blood glucose, is the main driving factor behind this association. Although the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and metformin is well established, results of studies on the exact effect of the dose and duration of the therapy remain inconsistent. Additionally, a lack of consensus on the definition of vitamin B12 deficiency adds to the conflicting literature. The objectives of this review were to analyze and synthesize the findings on the effects of metformin dose and duration on vitamin B12 status in patients with T2DM and to outline the potential mechanisms underlying metformin's effect on vitamin B12. Metformin therapy has adversely affected serum vitamin B12 concentrations, a marker of vitamin B12 status. The metformin usage index (a composite score of metformin dose and duration) might serve as a potential risk assessment tool for vitamin B12 screening in patients with T2DM. Considering the health implications of suboptimal vitamin B12 status, vitamin B12 concentrations should be monitored periodically in high-risk patients, such as vegans who are receiving metformin therapy for T2DM. Additionally, it is prudent to implement lifestyle strategies concurrent with metformin therapy in individuals with T2DM, promoting an overall synergistic effect on their glycemic control.
Topics: Humans; Metformin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Vitamin B 12; Hypoglycemic Agents; Prevalence; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency
PubMed: 37167532
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad045 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Apr 2024Maternal diet influences breast milk nutritional profile; however, it is unclear which nutrients and contaminants are particularly responsive to short- and long-term... (Review)
Review
Maternal diet influences breast milk nutritional profile; however, it is unclear which nutrients and contaminants are particularly responsive to short- and long-term changes in maternal intake, and the impact of specific exclusion diets, such as vegan or vegetarian. This study systematically reviewed the literature on the effects of maternal nutrient intake, including exclusion diets, on both the nutrient and contaminant content of breast milk. The electronic databases, PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science and CINALH were systematically searched until 4 June 2023, with additionally searches of reference lists (PROSPERO, CRD42020221577). The quality of the studies was examined using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Eighty-eight studies ( 6577) met the search criteria. Due to high heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not possible. There was strong evidence of response to maternal intakes for DHA and EPA, vitamins A, E and K, iodine and Se in breast milk composition, some evidence of response for -linolenic acid, B vitamins, vitamin C and D, ovalbumin, tyrosine and contaminants, and insufficient evidence to identify the effects arachidonic acid, Cu, Fe, Zn and choline. The paucity of evidence and high heterogeneity among studies reflects the need for more high-quality trials. However, this review identified the importance of maternal intake in the nutritional content of breast milk for a wide range of nutrients and supports the recommendation for supplementation of DHA and vitamin B for those on restrictive diets.
Topics: Humans; Female; Milk, Human; Lactation; Vitamins; Diet; Eating
PubMed: 38053371
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114523002775 -
Nutrients May 2024Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition with growing worldwide prevalence. Besides genetic factors, a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, and inadequate... (Review)
Review
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition with growing worldwide prevalence. Besides genetic factors, a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, and inadequate eating habits, characterized by an excess intake of refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods, are contributing factors for the development of the disease. In this scenario, promoting a plant-based diet, and limiting animal product consumption while increasing the intake of vegetables, concurrently with healthy lifestyle habits, is a promising strategy to prevent T2DM. This scoping review, carried out between 2017 and 2022, aimed to gather evidence substantiating the benefits of a plant-based diet in T2DM prevention, considering different eating patterns, such as vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean, and DASH diets. Several studies demonstrate a significant reduction in T2DM incidence among individuals adopting plant-based eating patterns or emphasizing healthy plant-based food alongside decreased intake or exclusion of animal-based foods. There are still no robust data regarding plant-based diets and the prevention of diabetes without loss in body weight. Hence, prospective studies in plant-based diets with weight control are needed. Nevertheless, adopting plant-based diets appears to induce significant weight loss, which is crucial in an obesity-endemic context. Thus, embracing plant-based diets, along with healthy habits, emerges as a relevant strategy in obesity and T2DM prevention.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Diet, Vegetarian; Obesity; Feeding Behavior; Diet, Healthy; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Mediterranean
PubMed: 38892604
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111671 -
Preventive Medicine Reports Jan 2024The objective of this scoping review was to examine the breadth of the existing literature on the relation between meat consumption or meat abstention and positive... (Review)
Review
The objective of this scoping review was to examine the breadth of the existing literature on the relation between meat consumption or meat abstention and positive psychological functioning. In April 2022, we conducted a systematic search of online databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) for primary research examining positive psychological functioning in meat consumers and those who abstain from meat. Thirteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, representing 89,138 participants (54,413 females and 33,863 males) with 78,562 meat consumers and 10,148 meat abstainers (13-102 years) from multiple geographic regions. The primary outcomes were life satisfaction, "positive mental health", self-esteem, and vigor. The secondary outcomes were "meaning in life", optimism, positive emotions, and psychological well-being. Eight of the 13 studies demonstrated no differences between the groups on positive psychological functioning, three studies showed mixed results, and two studies showed that compared to meat abstainers, meat consumers had greater self-esteem, "positive mental health", and "meaning in life". Studies varied substantially in methods and outcomes. Although a small minority of studies showed that meat consumers had more positive psychological functioning, no studies suggested that meat abstainers did. There was mixed evidence for temporal relations, but study designs precluded causal inferences. Our review demonstrates the need for future research given the equivocal nature of the extant literature on the relation between meat consumption and meat abstention and positive psychological functioning.
PubMed: 38186660
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102556