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The Journal of Nutrition Jun 2024Consumption of whole grains is associated with a reduction in chronic diseases and offers benefits for cardiovascular health and metabolic regulation. The relationship...
BACKGROUND
Consumption of whole grains is associated with a reduction in chronic diseases and offers benefits for cardiovascular health and metabolic regulation. The relationship between whole grain corn and corn bran with the gut microbiota (GM) remains an area of growing interest, particularly regarding their influence on cardio-metabolic health.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of different corn flours on cardio-metabolic outcomes and GM changes in adults with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) concentrations.
METHODS
In this crossover study, 36 adults with LDL-c above 110 mg/dL consumed 48 g/day of three corn flour types for four weeks: whole-grain corn meal (WCM), refined corn meal (RCM), and a blend of RCM and corn bran (RCM+B). We assessed the impact on cardio-metabolic markers (LDL-c, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], total cholesterol [TC], and triglycerides [TG]) and GM composition and estimated function. Statistical analyses included mixed-effects modeling and responder (> 5% decrease in LDL-c) analysis to evaluate changes in GM related to lipid profile improvements.
RESULTS
Of the three corn flour types, only RCM+B significantly decreased LDL-c over time (-10.4±3.6 mg/dL, P = 0.005) and marginally decreased TC (-9.2±3.9, P = 0.072) over time. There were no significant effects on HDL-c or TG concentrations. No significant changes were observed in GM alpha diversity, while beta diversity metrics indicated individual variability. Two genera, unclassified Lachnospiraceae and Agathobaculum (P ≤ 0.096), differed significantly by treatment, but only Agathobaculum remained significantly elevated in the WCM, compared to RCM and RCM+B, after adjustment for multiple comparisons.
CONCLUSIONS
The type of corn flour, particularly RCM+B, notably influenced LDL-c concentrations in adults with elevated LDL-c. This study suggests that incorporating milled fractions (e.g. bran) of whole grain corn with refined corn flour may be a viable alternative to supplementing manufactured grain products with isolated or synthetic fibers for improved metabolic health.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov ID: NCT03967990.
PubMed: 38880174
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.06.003 -
NPJ Science of Food Jun 2024The stalk of Allium fistulosum contains dietary fibers with complicated monosaccharide composition and glycosidic bond linkages, which renders it a better dietary fiber...
The stalk of Allium fistulosum contains dietary fibers with complicated monosaccharide composition and glycosidic bond linkages, which renders it a better dietary fiber supplement. However, the unfavorable odor, majorly contributed by allicin, limits its applications. Although many physical and chemical methods have been developed to remove allicin, there is currently no comparison between their efficiencies. Here, we comprehensively compare all these methods of eliminating allicin in the Allium stalk by starting with optimization of the allicin extraction method. Results indicate that incubation of the chopped Allium stalk with water for 20 min and extraction with 75% ethanol reached a maximal extraction yield. Different methods of allicin elimination are examined, and physical removal of allicin by blanching at 100 °C reaches a maximal clearance rate of 73.3%, rendering it the most efficient and effective method eliminating allicin from the stalk of Allium fistulosum for the preparation of a totally green dietary fiber.
PubMed: 38877017
DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00275-w -
Renal Failure Dec 2024To investigate the dietary nutrient intake of Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, identify influencing factors, and explore the correlation between dietary nutrient...
PURPOSE
To investigate the dietary nutrient intake of Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, identify influencing factors, and explore the correlation between dietary nutrient intake and nutritional and disease control indicators.
METHODS
This was a multicenter cross-sectional study. A dietary survey was conducted using a three-day dietary record method, and a self-designed diet management software was utilized to calculate the daily intake of dietary nutrients. The nutritional status and disease control indicators were assessed using subjective global assessment, handgrip strength, blood test indexes, and dialysis adequacy.
RESULTS
A total of 382 MHD patients were included in this study. Among them, 225 (58.9%) and 233 (61.0%) patients' protein and energy intake did not meet the recommendations outlined in the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease (2020 update). The average protein and energy intake for these patients were 0.99 ± 0.32 g/kg/d and 29.06 ± 7.79 kcal/kg/d, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that comorbidity-diabetes had a negative influence on normalized daily energy intake (nDEI = DEI / ideal body weight) (B = -2.880, = 0.001) and normalized daily protein intake (nDPI = DPI / ideal body weight) (B = -0.109, = 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that dietary DPI ( = -0.109, < 0.05), DEI ( = -0.226, < 0.05) and phosphorus ( = -0.195, < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to Kt/V; dietary nDPI ( = 0.101, < 0.05) and sodium ( = -0.144, < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum urea nitrogen; dietary DPI ( = 0.200, < 0.001), DEI ( = 0.241, < 0.001), potassium ( = 0.129, < 0.05), phosphorus ( = 0.199, < 0.001), and fiber ( = 0.157, < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum creatinine; dietary phosphorus ( = 0.117, < 0.05) and fiber ( = 0.142, < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to serum phosphorus; dietary nDPI ( = 0.125, < 0.05), DPI ( = 0.135, < 0.05), nDEI ( = 0.116, < 0.05), DEI ( = 0.125, < 0.05), potassium ( = 0.148, < 0.001), and phosphorus ( = 0.156, < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to subjective global assessment scores; dietary nDPI ( = 0.215, < 0.001), DPI ( = 0.341, < 0.001), nDEI ( = 0.142, < 0.05), DEI ( = 0.241, < 0.001), potassium ( = 0.166, < 0.05), phosphorus ( = 0.258, < 0.001), and fiber ( = 0.252, < 0.001) intake were statistically correlated to handgrip strength in males; dietary fiber ( = 0.190, < 0.05) intake was statistically correlated to handgrip strength in females.
CONCLUSIONS
The dietary nutrient intake of MHD patients need improvement. Inadequate dietary nutrient intake among MHD patients could have a detrimental effect on their blood test indexes and overall nutritional status. It is crucial to address and optimize the dietary intake of nutrients in this patient population to enhance their health outcomes and well-being.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Renal Dialysis; Female; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Energy Intake; Aged; Dietary Proteins; Adult; Linear Models; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Hand Strength; Diet Records; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 38874093
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2024.2363589 -
Food Science & Nutrition Jun 2024Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of risk factors including abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated blood pressure, and...
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of risk factors including abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose. In Spain, according to WHO criteria, the MetS prevalence is shown to be 32% in men and 29% in women. The role of dietary habits is one of the main therapeutic strategies for the management of MetS but the most effective dietary pattern has not been established yet. This study aimed to analyze the effect of on body composition, serum lipids, and MetS components of a high-MUFA and high-fiber diet (HMFD). A case-control study was performed considering 40 cohabiting women. Participants were randomly assigned to HMFD group or high mono-unsaturated diet (HMD) group to receive one of the two proposed dietary interventions. All data (serum lipids, blood pressure, height, weight, body composition, and waist circumference) were collected fasting at baseline, 55, 98, and 132 days. The HMFD group showed higher decrease in waist circumference than in the HMD group. LDL-C dropped in both groups. Triglycerides in the HMFD group dropped during the intervention, but once the intervention was over, they returned to baseline values. The mean systolic blood pressure was lower in HMFD group. A HMFD from a weekly consumption of processed meat (Torrezno de Soria) deeply fried in extra virgin olive oil in combination with vegetables logged in a Mediterranean diet can improve MetS risk factors in healthy overweight women.
PubMed: 38873480
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4042 -
Food Science & Nutrition Jun 2024Quinoa is a nutrient-dense pseudocereal that has garnered global attention for its potential to bolster food security and nutrition. Despite its celebrated status, the...
Quinoa is a nutrient-dense pseudocereal that has garnered global attention for its potential to bolster food security and nutrition. Despite its celebrated status, the detailed nutritional profiles of various quinoa varieties remain poorly understood, which poses a significant barrier to the strategic cultivation and utilization of quinoa's genetic diversity to combat malnutrition. The impetus for this research lies in the urgent need to identify superior quinoa strains that can be tailored to meet specific nutritional requirements and adapt to diverse agro-ecological zones. Our findings reveal substantial variation in nutrient content across different quinoa varieties, highlighting the variety ZLZX-8 as a particularly nutrient-rich strain with the highest levels of protein, fat, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and key minerals such as Mg, K, and Zn. Moreover, ZLZX-8's exceptional antioxidant capacity suggests it may have additional health benefits beyond its macronutrient profile. In contrast, ZLZX-7 stands out for its dietary fiber and phenolic content, which are critical for digestive health and disease prevention, respectively. Meanwhile, ZLZX-5, with its high starch content, could be better suited for energy production in dietary applications. Notably, the study also uncovers a correlation between grain color and nutrient profile, with colored quinoa varieties exhibiting superior fiber, inositol, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity compared to their white counterparts. This work lays the groundwork for an informed selection of quinoa varieties that can enhance dietary quality, support local and global food systems, and contribute to the fight against malnutrition.
PubMed: 38873460
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4113 -
Food Science & Nutrition Jun 2024The current study pioneers a comprehensive exploration into the influence of ripening stages on the nutritional composition and antioxidant attributes of the New Zealand...
The current study pioneers a comprehensive exploration into the influence of ripening stages on the nutritional composition and antioxidant attributes of the New Zealand damson plums (). Sampled at early-, mid-, and late-ripening stages from randomly selected plum trees, the investigation unveiled notable significant ( < .05) declines in multiple parameters as ripening progressed. Noteworthy reductions in dry matter (from 21% to 19.33%), stone weight (from 30.23% to 24.30%), total dietary fiber (from 3.15% to 2.5%), energy content (from 280 to 263 kJ/100 g), vitamin D3 (from 1.67 to 1.53 μg/100 g), vitamin A (from 4.2 to 3.87 μg/100 g), and specific minerals (e.g., Ca, Mg, and P) emerged as a hallmark of this progression. Additionally, plums harvested at the advanced ripening stage exhibited heightened moisture content in contrast to their early-stage counterparts. Conversely, ash, protein, carbohydrates, total sugar, and minerals (including K, Na, Zn, and Se) demonstrated no significant alteration ( > .05) across ripening stages. Remarkably, damson plums that were harvested at the end of the ripening stage displayed reduced phenolic content and total antioxidant activity compared to those acquired at the early-mid ripening phase. This research collectively highlights the substantive impact of harvesting time and ripening stage on the nutritional and antioxidant profiles of damson plums cultivated in New Zealand.
PubMed: 38873447
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4097 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024A healthy gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome has been shown to be essential for proper nutrient absorption and metabolism, maintenance of intestinal epithelial integrity...
INTRODUCTION
A healthy gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome has been shown to be essential for proper nutrient absorption and metabolism, maintenance of intestinal epithelial integrity and osmolarity, gut immunomodulation, and overall health. One of the most effective ways to promote a healthy GI microbiome is through dietary interventions, such as the addition of prebiotics. Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by the host GI microbiome through fermentation to confer a health benefit. However, research on prebiotics in companion animals is limited, especially in growing animals. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the effects of a novel prebiotic fiber blend on key parameters related to intestinal health and growth in puppies.
METHODS
Twenty-two puppies at least 4 months of age but not older than 10 months were fed a commercially available dry food during a prefeed period, and then fed a similarly formulated test food with the addition of the prebiotic fiber blend for a minimum of 90 days. Serum and fecal samples were collected at the end of the prefeed period and throughout the test period.
RESULTS
Puppies fed the test food grew as expected for puppies of this age. Complete blood count and serum chemistry analyses were clinically normal for all animals. Fecal score increased linearly, fecal moisture decreased linearly, and pH exhibited a cubic trend throughout the study duration. There was a linear increase in short-chain fatty acids throughout the study, which is associated with favorable digestive and overall health. The inflammatory cytokine interleukin-7 decreased linearly and interleukin-18 trended towards linear decrease.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that puppies continued to grow and develop normally, and experienced serum and stool characteristics indicative of improved GI health when fed a growth food fortified with a novel prebiotic fiber blend. Furthermore, these results contribute to the overall understanding of the effects of prebiotics on the GI health of growing companion animals.
PubMed: 38872806
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409394 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Obesity is a multi-factorial disease frequently associated with poor nutritional habits and linked to many detrimental health outcomes. Individuals with obesity are more...
INTRODUCTION
Obesity is a multi-factorial disease frequently associated with poor nutritional habits and linked to many detrimental health outcomes. Individuals with obesity are more likely to have increased levels of persistent inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation. The goal of this study was to compare four dietary patterns differentiated by macronutrient content in a postmenopausal model. Dietary patterns were high carbohydrate (HC), high fat (HF), high carbohydrate plus high fat (HCHF), and high protein (HP) with higher fiber.
METHODS
Changes in body weight and glucose levels were measured in female, ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice after 15 weeks of feeding. One group of five mice fed the HCHF diet was crossed over to the HP diet on day 84, modeling a 21-day intervention. In a follow-up study comparing the HCHF versus HP dietary patterns, systemic changes in inflammation, using an 80-cytokine array and metabolism, by untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS)-based metabolomics were evaluated.
RESULTS
Only the HF and HCHF diets resulted in obesity, shown by significant differences in body weights compared to the HP diet. Body weight gains during the two-diet follow-up study were consistent with the four-diet study. On Day 105 of the 4-diet study, glucose levels were significantly lower for mice fed the HP diet than for those fed the HC and HF diets. Mice switched from the HCHF to the HP diet lost an average of 3.7 grams by the end of the 21-day intervention, but this corresponded with decreased food consumption. The HCHF pattern resulted in dramatic inflammatory dysregulation, as all 80 cytokines were elevated significantly in the livers of these mice after 15 weeks of HCHF diet exposure. Comparatively, only 32 markers changed significantly on the HP diet (24 up, 8 down). Metabolic perturbations in several endogenous biological pathways were also observed based on macronutrient differences and revealed dysfunction in several nutritionally relevant biosynthetic pathways.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the HCHF diet promoted detrimental impacts and changes linked to several diseases, including arthritis or breast neoplasms. Identification of dietary pattern-specific impacts in this model provides a means to monitor the effects of disease risk and test interventions to prevent poor health outcomes through nutritional modification.
PubMed: 38868554
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1356038 -
IMeta Feb 2024Consumption of dietary fiber and anthocyanin has been linked to a lower incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study scrutinizes the potential antitumorigenic...
Consumption of dietary fiber and anthocyanin has been linked to a lower incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study scrutinizes the potential antitumorigenic attributes of a black rice diet (BRD), abundantly rich in dietary fiber and anthocyanin. Our results demonstrate notable antitumorigenic effects in mice on BRD, indicated by a reduction in both the size and number of intestinal tumors and a consequent extension in life span, compared to control diet-fed counterparts. Furthermore, fecal transplants from BRD-fed mice to germ-free mice led to a decrease in colonic cell proliferation, coupled with maintained integrity of the intestinal barrier. The BRD was associated with significant shifts in gut microbiota composition, specifically an augmentation in probiotic strains and . Noteworthy changes in gut metabolites were also documented, including the upregulation of indole-3-lactic acid and indole. These metabolites have been identified to stimulate the intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, inhibiting CRC cell proliferation and colorectal tumorigenesis. In summary, these findings propose that a BRD may modulate the progression of intestinal tumors by fostering protective gut microbiota and metabolite profiles. The study accentuates the potential health advantages of whole-grain foods, emphasizing the potential utility of black rice in promoting health.
PubMed: 38868519
DOI: 10.1002/imt2.165 -
IMeta Feb 2024Bioactive dietary fiber has been proven to confer numerous health benefits against metabolic diseases based on the modification of gut microbiota. The metabolic...
Bioactive dietary fiber has been proven to confer numerous health benefits against metabolic diseases based on the modification of gut microbiota. The metabolic protective effects of glucomannan have been previously reported in animal experiments and clinical trials. However, critical microbial signaling metabolites and the host targets associated with the metabolic benefits of glucomannan remain elusive. The results of this study revealed that glucomannan supplementation alleviated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance in mice and that its beneficial effects were dependent on the gut microbiota. Administration of glucomannan to mice promoted the growth of . Moreover, colonization with in HFD-fed mice resulted in a decrease in insulin resistance, accompanied by improved intestinal barrier integrity and reduced systemic inflammation. Furthermore, -derived indoleacetic acid (IAA) was established as a key bioactive metabolite that fortifies intestinal barrier function via activation of intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), leading to an amelioration in insulin resistance. Thus, we conclude that glucomannan acts through the -IAA-intestinal AhR axis to relieve insulin resistance.
PubMed: 38868507
DOI: 10.1002/imt2.163