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Nutrients May 2024The interest in meat alternatives has increased over the years as people embrace more varied food choices because of different reasons. This study aims to analyse the...
BACKGROUND
The interest in meat alternatives has increased over the years as people embrace more varied food choices because of different reasons. This study aims to analyse the nutritional composition of ready-to-use meat alternatives and compare them with meat (products).
METHODS
Nutritional composition values were collected in 2022 of all ready-to-use meat alternatives in Belgian supermarkets, as well as their animal-based counterparts. A one-sample -test was performed to test the nutritional composition of ready-to-use meat alternatives against norm values, while an independent samples -test was used to make the comparison with meat.
RESULTS
Minced meat and pieces/strips/cubes scored favourably on all norm values. Cheeseburgers/schnitzels, nut/seed burgers and sausages contained more than 10 g/100 g total fat. The saturated fat and salt content was lower than the norm value in each category. Legume burgers/falafel contained less than 10 g/100 g protein. Vegetarian/vegan minced meat and bacon contained fewer calories, total and saturated fat, and more fibre compared to their animal-based counterparts.
CONCLUSIONS
Minced meat and pieces/strips/cubes came out as the most favourable categories regarding nutritional composition norm values. Vegetarian/vegan steak came out the least favourable compared to steak, while vegetarian/vegan minced meat and vegetarian/vegan bacon came out the most favourable compared to their animal-based counterparts.
Topics: Belgium; Nutritive Value; Humans; Meat Products; Fast Foods; Diet, Vegetarian; Dietary Fats; Meat; Animals; Supermarkets; Meat Substitutes
PubMed: 38892581
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111648 -
Nutrients May 2024Increased inflammation is associated with the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). Increased circulating levels of cytokines have been previously reported and generally... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Increased inflammation is associated with the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). Increased circulating levels of cytokines have been previously reported and generally associated with worse clinical outcomes. In this context, the modulation of inflammation-related parameters seems to be a reasonable therapeutic option for improving the clinical course of the disease. Based on this, we aimed to compare changes in circulating cytokines when Mediterranean diet alone or in combination with hypercaloric, hyperproteic oral nutritional supplements (ONS), enriched with omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids were administered to patients with HF. Briefly, patients were randomly assigned to receive Mediterranean Diet (control group) vs. Mediterranean Diet plus ONS (intervention group). We observed increased circulating levels of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and IP-10. MCP-1 and IL-6 were associated with overweight and obesity ( = 0.01-0.01-0.04, respectively); IL-6 and IL-8 were positively correlated with fat mass and CRP serum levels ( = 0.02-0.04, respectively). Circulating levels of IL-8 significantly decreased in all patients treated with the Mediterranean diet, while IL-6 and IP-10 only significantly decreased in patients that received plus ONS. In the univariate analysis, MCP-1 and its combination with IL-6 were associated with increased mortality ( = 0.02), while the multivariate analysis confirmed that MCP-1 was an independent factor for mortality (OR 1.01, 95%ci 1.01-1.02). In conclusion, nutritional support using hypercaloric, hyperproteic, n-3 enriched ONS in combination with Mediterranean Diet was associated with decreased circulating levels of some cytokines and could represent an interesting step for improving heart functionality of patients with HF.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Male; Female; Diet, Mediterranean; Cytokines; Aged; Middle Aged; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Chemokine CCL2; Nutritional Support; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Inflammation
PubMed: 38892570
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111637 -
Nutrients May 2024(1) Background: University students, often constrained by time and influenced by socio-economic factors such as culture and religion, frequently adopt diets centred on...
(1) Background: University students, often constrained by time and influenced by socio-economic factors such as culture and religion, frequently adopt diets centred on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), increasing the risk of long-term non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to assess UPF consumption among Spanish university students and explore the potential impact of religion and the academic year on their eating habits. (2) Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 257 university students aged 18-31, UPF consumption was assessed using NOVA food classification at the academic year's start and end. Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests analysed UPF consumption changes, while binary logistic regression identified associations between religion and weekly UPF consumption. (3) Results: Muslim students had a consumption of industrial bakery products almost five times [95% CI: 2.694-9.259] higher than that observed among Christians. Similar data were observed for artificial juice consumption (OR = 3.897, 95% CI = 2.291-6.627) and candy consumption (OR = 3.724, 95% CI = 2.051-6.762). Moreover, a greater percentage of calories and grams of saturated fats from UPFs was observed for Muslims at the end of the study. (4) Conclusions: Highlighting the impact of religion on UPF consumption among students underscores the necessity of monitoring and intervening in dietary habits to prevent undesirable long-term complications such as cardiovascular diseases.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Young Adult; Male; Female; Students; Adult; Adolescent; Fast Foods; Universities; Feeding Behavior; Spain; Religion; Diet; Islam; Food, Processed
PubMed: 38892553
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111619 -
Nutrients May 2024Long-chain -3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation has shown potential benefits in the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD); however, the impact of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
UNLABELLED
Long-chain -3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation has shown potential benefits in the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD); however, the impact of omega-3 fatty acid levels on CHD risk remains a subject of debate. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between -3 PUFA levels and the risk of CHD, with particular reference to the subtypes of -3 PUFA.
METHODS
Prospective studies and retrospective case-control studies analyzing -3 PUFA levels in CHD, published up to 30 July 2022, were selected. A random effects meta-analysis was used for pooled assessment, with relative risks (RRs) expressed as 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and standardized mean differences expressed as weight mean differences (WMDs). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were conducted to assess the impact of -3 PUFA exposure interval on the CHD subtype variables of the study.
RESULTS
We included 20 prospective studies (cohort and nested case-control) and 16 retrospective case-control studies, in which -3 PUFAs were measured. Higher levels of -3 PUFAs (ALA, EPA, DPA, DHA, EPA + DHA, total -3 PUFAs) were associated with a reduced risk of CHD, with RRs (95% CI) of 0.89 (0.81, 0.98), 0.83 (0.72, 0.96); 0.80 (0.67,0.95), 0.75 (0.64, 0.87), 0.83 (0.73, 0.95), and 0.80 (0.70, 0.93), respectively, < 0.05. CHD patients had significantly lower -3 PUFA levels compared to healthy controls ( < 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, a significant inverse trend was found for both fatal CHD and non-fatal CHD with -3 PUFA (EPA + DHA) levels. Also, the link between -3 PUFA levels in erythrocytes with total CHD was generally stronger than other lipid pools.
CONCLUSIONS
-3 PUFAs are significantly related to CHD risk, and these findings support the beneficial effects of -3 PUFAs on CHD.
Topics: Humans; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Coronary Disease; Observational Studies as Topic; Female; Retrospective Studies; Male; Case-Control Studies; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Dietary Supplements; Aged; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38892543
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111610 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Gut-dysbiosis-induced lipopolysaccharides (LPS) translocation into systemic circulation has been suggested to be implicated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)...
Gut-dysbiosis-induced lipopolysaccharides (LPS) translocation into systemic circulation has been suggested to be implicated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. This study aimed to assess if oleuropein (OLE), a component of extra virgin olive oil, lowers high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced endotoxemia and, eventually, liver steatosis. An immunohistochemistry analysis of the intestine and liver was performed in (i) control mice (CTR; n = 15), (ii) high-fat-diet fed (HFD) mice (HFD; n = 16), and (iii) HFD mice treated with 6 µg/day of OLE for 30 days (HFD + OLE, n = 13). The HFD mice developed significant liver steatosis compared to the controls, an effect that was significantly reduced in the HFD + OLE-treated mice. The amount of hepatocyte LPS localization and the number of TLR4+ macrophages were higher in the HFD mice in the than controls and were lowered in the HFD + OLE-treated mice. The number of CD42b+ platelets was increased in the liver sinusoids of the HFD mice compared to the controls and decreased in the HFD + OLE-treated mice. Compared to the controls, the HFD-treated mice showed a high percentage of intestine PAS+ goblet cells, an increased length of intestinal crypts, LPS localization and TLR4+ expression, and occludin downregulation, an effect counteracted in the HFD + OLE-treated mice. The HFD-fed animals displayed increased systemic levels of LPS and zonulin, but they were reduced in the HFD + OLE-treated animals. It can be seen that OLE administration improves liver steatosis and inflammation in association with decreased LPS translocation into the systemic circulation, hepatocyte localization of LPS and TLR4 downregulation in HFD-induced mouse model of NAFLD.
Topics: Animals; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Lipopolysaccharides; Iridoid Glucosides; Mice; Olive Oil; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Male; Iridoids; Down-Regulation; Diet, High-Fat; Liver; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Inflammation; Fatty Liver
PubMed: 38891768
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115580 -
Impact of Resolvin-E1 and Maresin-1 on Bone Marrow Stem Cell Osteogenesis under Inflammatory Stress.Cells May 2024Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation and bone loss. Central to its pathogenesis is the dysregulated inflammatory response, complicating regenerative...
Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation and bone loss. Central to its pathogenesis is the dysregulated inflammatory response, complicating regenerative therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold significant promise in tissue repair and regeneration. This study investigated the effects of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), Resolvin E1 (RvE1) and Maresin 1 (MaR1), on the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived MSCs under inflammatory conditions. The stem cells were treated with SPMs in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate an inflammatory environment. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed through alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red staining. Proteomic analysis was conducted to characterize the protein expression profile changes, focusing on proteins related to osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. Treatment with RvE1 and MaR1, both individually and in combination, significantly enhanced calcified deposit formation. Proteomic analysis revealed the differential expression of proteins associated with osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis, highlighting the modulatory impact of SPMs on bone metabolism. RvE1 and MaR1 promote osteogenic differentiation of hBMMSCs in an inflammatory environment, with their combined application yielding synergistic effects. This study provides insights into the therapeutic potential of SPMs in enhancing bone regeneration, suggesting a promising avenue for developing regenerative therapies for periodontal disease and other conditions characterized by inflammation-induced bone loss.
Topics: Osteogenesis; Humans; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Cell Differentiation; Inflammation; Proteomics; Bone Marrow Cells; Lipopolysaccharides
PubMed: 38891064
DOI: 10.3390/cells13110932 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The composition of pumpkin seeds includes bioactive compounds, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietary fibers. Thus, the objective of this research was to...
The composition of pumpkin seeds includes bioactive compounds, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietary fibers. Thus, the objective of this research was to develop and evaluate the nutritional and quality standard of beef burgers supplemented with pumpkin seeds () added in different proportions. To process the pumpkin seed flour (PSF), the seeds were sanitized, dried in an oven, crushed, and sieved. Through such means, three formulations of beef burgers were prepared, named S (without the addition of PSF), F5 (with the addition of 5% (/) of PSF), and F10 (with the addition of 10% (/) of PSF). The respective results for burgers P, F5, and F10 were as follows (/): proteins 17.61%, 18.04%, 19.86%; lipids 12.19%, 12.42%, 14.55%; ash 1.77%, 1.86%, 1.94%; fibers 0%, 0.88%, 1.76%; phenolic compounds 39.55, 82.93, 90.30 (mg/g); and total antioxidant capacity 11.09%, 18.48%, 24.45%. Regarding the sensory analysis attributes, tasters gave sample F10 scores lower than 7. However, the standard and F5 samples showed results higher than 7 for all parameters. For the determination of shelf life, an expiration date of 30 days was established. It was observed that adding PSF to industrialized products adds nutritional value with the inclusion of polyunsaturated fats, phenolic compounds, and dietary fibers.
PubMed: 38890933
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111702 -
BMC Psychiatry Jun 2024There is uncertainty about the optimum dose of omega-3 fatty acids for anxiety symptoms. We aimed to find the dose-dependent effect of omega-3 supplementation on anxiety... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
There is uncertainty about the optimum dose of omega-3 fatty acids for anxiety symptoms. We aimed to find the dose-dependent effect of omega-3 supplementation on anxiety symptoms.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 2022 to find randomized trials that assessed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on anxiety symptoms in adults. Investigators performed the literature search and screened the titles/abstracts and full-texts and between-reviewer agreement was assessed as Cohen's kappa coefficient. We conducted a random-effects dose-response meta-analysis to estimate standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework.
RESULTS
A total of 23 trials with 2189 participants were included. Each 1 gram per day supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a moderate decrease in anxiety symptoms (SMD: -0.70, 95%CI: -1.17, -0.22; GRADE = low). The non-linear dose-response analysis indicated the greatest improvement at 2 g/d (SMD: -0.93, 95%CI: -1.85, -0.01), and that supplementation in a dose lower than 2 g/d did not affect anxiety symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids did not increase adverse events (odds ratio: 1.20, 95%CI: 0.89, 1.61; GRADE = moderate).
CONCLUSIONS
The present dose-response meta-analysis suggested evidence of very low certainty that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may significantly improve anxiety symptoms, with the greatest improvements at 2 g/d. More trials with better methodological quality are needed to reach more robust evidence.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42022309636).
Topics: Humans; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Anxiety; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Anxiety Disorders
PubMed: 38890670
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05881-2 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Jun 2024The transition towards a sustainable model, particularly the circular economy, emphasizes the importance of redefining waste as a valuable resource, paving the way for...
The transition towards a sustainable model, particularly the circular economy, emphasizes the importance of redefining waste as a valuable resource, paving the way for innovative upcycling strategies. The olive oil industry, with its significant output of agricultural waste, offers a promising avenue for high-value biomass conversion into useful products through microbial processes. This study focuses on exploring new, high-value applications for olive leaves waste, utilizing a biotechnological approach with Lactobacillus casei for the production of second-generation lactic acid. Contrary to initial expectations, the inherent high polyphenol content and low fermentable glucose levels in olive leaves posed challenges for fermentation. Addressing this, an enzymatic hydrolysis step, following a preliminary extraction process, was implemented to increase glucose availability. Subsequent small-scale fermentation tests were conducted with and without nutrient supplements, identifying the medium that yielded the highest lactic acid production for scale-up. The scaled-up batch fermentation process achieved an enhanced conversion rate (83.58%) and specific productivity (0.26 g/L·h). This research confirms the feasibility of repurposing olive waste leaves for the production of lactic acid, contributing to the advancement of a greener economy through the valorization of agricultural waste. KEY POINTS: • Olive leaves slurry as it did not allow L. casei to ferment. • High concentrations of polyphenols inhibit fermentation of L. casei. • Enzymatic hydrolysis combined to organosolv extraction is the best pretreatment for lactic acid production starting from leaves and olive pruning waste.
Topics: Fermentation; Lactic Acid; Lacticaseibacillus casei; Plant Leaves; Olea; Olive Oil; Glucose; Hydrolysis; Industrial Waste; Polyphenols; Biomass
PubMed: 38888798
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13217-z -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Our objective was to explore the effect of the reduction of saturated fat (SAF) intake on cardiovascular disease, mortality and other health-related outcomes in adults.
INTRODUCTION
Our objective was to explore the effect of the reduction of saturated fat (SAF) intake on cardiovascular disease, mortality and other health-related outcomes in adults.
METHODS
We conducted an umbrella review, searching Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and LILACS databases for systematic reviews from December 1, 2012, to December 1, 2022. We have included meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies. We extracted effect sizes (95%CI), heterogeneity ( ), and evidence quality rating based on the population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes.
RESULTS
21 meta-analyses were included (three were from RCTs, and 18 were from cohort studies). Among meta-analyses of RCTs, 15 of the 45 associations were significant. The effect of reduction in SAF intake on combined cardiovascular events (RR 0.79, 95%CI 0.66-0.93) was graded as having moderate certainty of evidence. We found no effect on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cancer deaths, and other cardiovascular events. Among meta-analyses of cohort studies, five of the 19 associations were significant. There was an increase in coronary heart disease mortality (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.21) and breast cancer mortality (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09-2.09) in participants with higher SFA intake compared to reduced SFA. We found no effect on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and other cardiovascular events.
CONCLUSION
This umbrella review found the reduction in SAF intake probably reduces cardiovascular events and other health outcomes. However, it has little or no effect on cardiovascular mortality and mortality from other causes. More high-quality clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed.: CRD42022380859.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dietary Fats; Fatty Acids; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38887252
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1396576