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Nutrients May 2024The current state of the literature lacks a clear characterization of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, gut microbiota composition, and general physical and mental...
Explorative Characterization of GI Complaints, General Physical and Mental Wellbeing, and Gut Microbiota in Trained Recreative and Competitive Athletes with or without Self-Reported Gastrointestinal Symptoms.
The current state of the literature lacks a clear characterization of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, gut microbiota composition, and general physical and mental wellbeing in well-trained athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize differences in self-reported symptoms, gut microbiota composition, and wellbeing (i.e., sleep quality, mood, and physical (PHQ) and mental wellbeing) between athletes with and without GI symptoms. In addition, we assessed the potential impact of a 3-week multi-ingredient fermented whey supplement in the GI complaints group, without a control group, on the gut microbiota and self-reported GI symptoms and wellbeing. A total of 50 athletes (24.7 ± 4.5 years) with GI issues (GI group at baseline, GI-B) and 21 athletes (25.4 ± 5.3 years) without GI issues (non-GI group, NGI) were included. At baseline, there was a significant difference in the total gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) score (24.1 ± 8.48 vs. 30.3 ± 8.82, = 0.008) and a trend difference in PHQ (33.9 ± 10.7 vs. 30.3 ± 8.82, = 0.081), but no differences ( > 0.05) were seen for other outcomes, including gut microbiota metrics, between groups. After 3-week supplementation, the GI group (GI-S) showed increased relative abundance ( < 0.05), reported a lower number of severe GI complaints (from 72% to 54%, < 0.001), and PHQ declined ( = 0.010). In conclusion, well-trained athletes with GI complaints reported more severe GI symptoms than an athletic reference group, without showing clear differences in wellbeing or microbiota composition. Future controlled research should further investigate the impact of such multi-ingredient supplements on GI complaints and the associated changes in gut health-related markers.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Athletes; Male; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Female; Adult; Self Report; Young Adult; Mental Health; Dietary Supplements; Whey Proteins
PubMed: 38892645
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111712 -
Nutrients May 2024Proteins are macronutrients with multiple health benefits, but excessive consumption can negatively affect health. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of a...
Proteins are macronutrients with multiple health benefits, but excessive consumption can negatively affect health. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of a sample of high-protein processed foods (HPPFs), describe how their consumption affects dietary balance, and acquire knowledge of the consumption patterns of these products in a Spanish population. A sample of HPPFs available in supermarkets and on websites was collected. The contribution to recommended protein intakes was calculated using national and international references and considering the single consumption of the HPPFs and the product plus 150 g of meat. Furthermore, an online survey was conducted among a convenience sample. A total of 36 enriched protein products were evaluated. The percentage of proteins in these products ranges from 10 to 88%. The contribution of the protein recommended intake was within a range of 87.4-306.6% and 66.4-232.8% (women and men, respectively), only considering the additional proteins from 150 g of meat. One hundred thirty-nine participants completed the survey; 67.6% affirmed that they had consumed HPPFs, and half consumed them without following any consumption control. Since these products are accessible to everyone in supermarkets and protein intake is generally higher than the recommended limits, regulating the mass sale of HPPFs is essential to ensure they do not lead to protein overconsumption.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Dietary Proteins; Spain; Young Adult; Diet, High-Protein; Fast Foods; Nutritive Value; Aged; Adolescent; Diet; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Food, Processed
PubMed: 38892630
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111697 -
Nutrients May 2024(1) Background: The evidence for nutritional support in COPD is almost entirely based on ready-to-drink oral nutritional supplements (ONSs). This study aimed to explore... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
(1) Background: The evidence for nutritional support in COPD is almost entirely based on ready-to-drink oral nutritional supplements (ONSs). This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of powdered ONSs alongside individualized dietary counseling in the management of malnutrition. (2) Methods: Malnourished outpatients with COPD were randomized to receive either routine care (Group A: counseling + recommended to purchase powdered ONSs) or an enhanced intervention (Group B: counseling + provision of powdered ONSs at no cost to the patient) for 12 weeks. Outcomes of interest were nutritional intake, weight status, and quality of life. (3) Results: A total of 33 outpatients were included, categorized as follows: Group A ( = 21); Group B ( = 12); severely malnourished ( = 9), moderately malnourished ( = 24), mean BMI 18.0 SD 2.5 kg/m. No differences were observed between groups at baseline or at week 12; however, analysis of the whole cohort (Group A + B) revealed nutrition intervention resulted in significant improvements in protein intake (+25.4 SD 53.4 g/d; = 0.040), weight (+1.1 SD 2.6 kg; = 0.032) and quality of life (-4.4 SD 10.0; = 0.040). Only 41.2% of Group A and 58.3% of Group B reported consuming ONSs at week 12. Adherence to ONSs was associated with weight gain (+1.9 SD 2.5 kg vs. +0.4 SD 2.5 kg; = 0.098). (4) Conclusions: Nutritional support results in significant improvements in nutrition status and quality of life in malnourished outpatients with COPD. However, improvements are associated with adherence to ONSs, suggesting the type of ONSs and how they are provided are important considerations in clinical practice and future studies.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Male; Pilot Projects; Malnutrition; Female; Aged; Quality of Life; Nutritional Support; Dietary Supplements; Nutritional Status; Outpatients; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Counseling; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38892629
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111696 -
Nutrients May 2024Recently, many studies have been devoted to discovering nutrients for exercise-like effects. Resistance exercise and the intake of essential amino acids (EAAs) are known... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Recently, many studies have been devoted to discovering nutrients for exercise-like effects. Resistance exercise and the intake of essential amino acids (EAAs) are known to be factors that can affect muscle mass and strength improvement. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in muscle quality, myokines, and inflammation in response to resistance exercise and EAA supplementation.
METHODS
Thirty-four males volunteered to participate in this study. They were assigned to four groups: (1) placebo (CO), (2) resistance exercise (RE), (3) EAA supplementation, and (4) RE + EAA supplementation. Body composition, muscle quality, myokines, and inflammation were measured at baseline and four weeks after treatment.
RESULTS
Lean body fat had decreased in both RE and RE + EAA groups. Lean body mass had increased in only the RE + EAA group. In all groups except for CO, irisin, myostatin A, and TNF-α levels had decreased. The grip strength of the right hand and trunk flexion peak torque increased in the RE group. The grip strength of the left hand, trunk flexion peak torque, and knee flexion peak torque of the left leg were increased in RE + EAA.
CONCLUSIONS
RE, EAA, and RE + EAA could effectively improve the muscle quality, myokine, and inflammation factors of young adult males. This finding highlights the importance of resistance exercise and amino acid intake.
Topics: Humans; Male; Resistance Training; Young Adult; Muscle, Skeletal; Amino Acids, Essential; Body Composition; Inflammation; Dietary Supplements; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Adult; Muscle Strength; Hand Strength; Myostatin; Fibronectins; Myokines
PubMed: 38892621
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111688 -
Nutrients May 2024Low protein diet (LPD) seems beneficial in ameliorating the complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), in reducing proteinuria and the decline in kidney function,...
Low protein diet (LPD) seems beneficial in ameliorating the complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), in reducing proteinuria and the decline in kidney function, thus postponing the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT). However, this type of intervention was less investigated in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This is a single-center, prospective, interventional study that aims to assess the efficacy of reducing proteinuria and the rate of decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Patients with advanced DKD (stable proteinuria > 3 g/g and eGFR < 30 mL/min) with a good nutritional status and accepting a LPD were evaluated for inclusion. Ninety-two of the 452 screened patients (66% males, median age 61 years, proteinuria 4.8 g/g creatininuria, eGFR 11.7 mL/min/1.73 m) completed the study. Intervention consisted of LPD supplemented with ketoanalogues of essential amino acids (KA) along with conventional nephroprotective therapy. Efficacy parameters were the variation in proteinuria and in eGFR from baseline to the end of the study. Proteinuria decreased 3-fold, and the rate of decline in eGFR decreased 5-fold in the intervention phase. No patient initiated KRT or died. LPD supplemented with KA seems effective in safely postponing KRT by reducing proteinuria and the decline in kidney function in advanced DKD.
Topics: Humans; Male; Proteinuria; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Middle Aged; Diet, Protein-Restricted; Diabetic Nephropathies; Female; Prospective Studies; Aged; Amino Acids, Essential; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38892620
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111687 -
Nutrients May 2024Pharmacotherapy is the therapeutic mainstay in epilepsy; however, in about 30% of patients, epileptic seizures are drug-resistant. A ketogenic diet (KD) is an...
Pharmacotherapy is the therapeutic mainstay in epilepsy; however, in about 30% of patients, epileptic seizures are drug-resistant. A ketogenic diet (KD) is an alternative therapeutic option. The mechanisms underlying the anti-seizure effect of a KD are not fully understood. Epileptic seizures lead to an increased energy demand of neurons. An improvement in energy provisions may have a protective effect. C8 and C10 fatty acids have been previously shown to activate mitochondrial function in vitro. This could involve sirtuins (SIRTs) as regulatory elements of energy metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ß-hydroxybutyrate (ßHB), C8 fatty acids, C10 fatty acids, or a combination of C8 and C10 (250/250 µM) fatty acids, which all increase under a KD, could up-regulate SIRT1, -3, -4, and -5 in HT22 hippocampal murine neurons in vitro. Cells were incubated for 1 week in the presence of these metabolites. The sirtuins were measured at the enzyme (fluorometrically), protein (Western blot), and gene expression (PCR) levels. In hippocampal cells, the C8, C10, and C8 and C10 incubations led to increases in the sirtuin levels, which were not inferior to a ßHB incubation as the 'gold standard'. This may indicate that both C8 and C10 fatty acids are important for the antiepileptic effect of a KD. A KD may be replaced by nutritional supplements of C8 and C10 fatty acids, which could facilitate the diet.
Topics: Animals; Neurons; Diet, Ketogenic; Mice; Sirtuins; Fatty Acids; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Hippocampus; 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; Cell Line
PubMed: 38892612
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111678 -
Nutrients May 2024Milk bioactivity refers to the specific health effects of milk components beyond nutrition. The science of milk bioactivity involves the systematic study of these... (Review)
Review
Milk bioactivity refers to the specific health effects of milk components beyond nutrition. The science of milk bioactivity involves the systematic study of these components and their health effects, as verified by empirical data, controlled experiments, and logical arguments. Conversely, 'faith in milk bioactivity' can be defined as personal opinion, meaning, value, trust, and hope for health effects that are beyond investigation by natural, social, or human sciences. Faith can be strictly secular, but also influenced by spirituality or religion. The aim of this paper is to show that scientific knowledge is frequently supplemented with faith convictions to establish personal and public understanding of milk bioactivity. Mammalian milk is an immensely complex fluid containing myriad proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and micronutrients with multiple functions across species, genetics, ages, environments, and cultures. Human health includes not only physical health, but also social, mental, and spiritual health, requiring widely different fields of science to prove the relevance, safety, and efficacy of milk interventions. These complex relationships between milk feeding and health outcomes prevent firm conclusions based on science and logic alone. Current beliefs in and understanding of the value of breast milk, colostrum, infant formula, or isolated milk proteins (e.g., immunoglobulins, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and growth factors) show that both science and faith contribute to understand, stimulate, or restrict the use of milk bioactivity. The benefits of breastfeeding for infants are beyond doubt, but the strong beliefs in its health effects rely not only on science, and mechanisms are unclear. Likewise, fear of, or trust in, infant formula may rely on both science and faith. Knowledge from science safeguards individuals and society against 'milk bioactivity superstition'. Conversely, wisdom from faith-based convictions may protect science from unrealistic 'milk bioactivity scientism'. Honesty and transparency about the potentials and limitations of both scientific knowledge and faith convictions are important when informing individuals and society about the nutritious and bioactive qualities of milk.
Topics: Humans; Milk, Human; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Breast Feeding; Infant Formula; Infant, Newborn; Female; Colostrum; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Animals; Milk Proteins; Religion
PubMed: 38892610
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111676 -
Nutrients May 2024Gut microbiome-modulating agents (MMAs), including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics, are shown to ameliorate type 1 diabetes (T1D) by restoring the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Gut microbiome-modulating agents (MMAs), including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics, are shown to ameliorate type 1 diabetes (T1D) by restoring the microbiome from dysbiosis. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of MMAs on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and biomarkers associated with (T1D). A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, National Knowledge Infrastructure, WeiPu, and WanFang Data up to 30 November 2023. Ten randomized controlled trials ( = 630) were included, with study quality evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Random-effect models with standardized mean differences (SMDs) were utilized. MMA supplementation was associated with improvements in HbA1c (SMD = -0.52, 95% CI [-0.83, -0.20]), daily insulin usage (SMD = -0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.76, -0.07]), and fasting C-peptide (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI [0.17, 1.81]) but had no effects on FBG, CRP, TNF-α, IL-10, LDL, HDL, and the Shannon index. Subgroup analysis of HbA1c indicated that a long-term intervention (>3 months) might exert a more substantial effect. These findings suggest an association between MMAs and glycemic control in T1D. Further large-scale clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings with investigations on inflammation and gut microbiota composition while adjusting confounding factors such as diet, physical activity, and the dose and form of MMA intervention.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Glycated Hemoglobin; Probiotics; Prebiotics; Biomarkers; Synbiotics; Dietary Supplements; Female; Dysbiosis; Adult; Male
PubMed: 38892608
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111675 -
Nutrients May 2024Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming an increasingly important health concern due to a rapidly ageing global population. The fastest growing NCD, type 2... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Understanding the Impact of Different Doses of Reducose Mulberry Leaf Extract on Blood Glucose and Insulin Responses after Eating a Complex Meal: Results from a Double-Blind, Randomised, Crossover Trial.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming an increasingly important health concern due to a rapidly ageing global population. The fastest growing NCD, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is responsible for over 2 million deaths annually. Lifestyle changes, including dietary changes to low glycemic response (GR) foods, have been shown to reduce the risk of developing T2DM. The aim of this study was to investigate whether three different doses of Reducose, a mulberry leaf extract, could lower the GR and insulinemic responses (IR) to a full meal challenge in healthy individuals. A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, repeat-measure, crossover design trial was conducted by the Oxford Brookes Centre for Nutrition and Health; 37 healthy individuals completed the study. Participants consumed capsules containing either 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg Reducose or placebo before a test meal consisting of 150 g white bread and egg mayo filler. Capillary blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals in the first hour and at 30-min intervals over the second and third hours to determine glucose and plasma insulin levels. The consumption of all three doses of Reducose resulted in significantly lower blood glucose and plasma insulin levels compared to placebo. All three doses of Reducose (200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg) significantly lowered glucose iAUC 120 by 30% ( = 0.003), 33% ( = 0.001) and 32% ( = 0.002), respectively, compared with placebo. All three doses of Reducose (200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg) significantly lowered the plasma insulin iAUC 120 by 31% ( = 0.024), 34% ( = 0.004) and 38% ( < 0.001), respectively. The study demonstrates that the recommended dose (250 mg) and two lower doses (200 mg, 225 mg) of Reducose can be used to help lower the GR and IR of a full meal containing carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Over Studies; Plant Extracts; Double-Blind Method; Morus; Blood Glucose; Male; Insulin; Female; Adult; Plant Leaves; Postprandial Period; Middle Aged; Meals; Young Adult; Glycemic Index; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
PubMed: 38892603
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111670 -
Nutrients May 2024The nutrient intake of persons with diabetes placed on a low-carbohydrate diet remains unclear. This study aimed to assess nutrient intake in persons with type 2... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
The nutrient intake of persons with diabetes placed on a low-carbohydrate diet remains unclear. This study aimed to assess nutrient intake in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with a low-carbohydrate diet. The brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire was used to collect the dietary information of 335 outpatients at Kitasato Institute Hospital, while their clinical characteristics were collected from their electronic medical records. The median age, HbA1c level, and body mass index of the participants were 68 (60-74) years, 49 (45-55) mmol/mol [6.7 (6.3-7.2)%], and 24.0 (21.8-26.7) kg/m, respectively; median energy intake was 1457 (1153-1786) kcal/day; and protein-energy, fat-energy, and available carbohydrate-energy ratios were 18.6 (15.7-21.4)%E, 36.8 (31.6-43.2)%E, and 34.6 (26.0-42.4)%E, respectively. As the available carbohydrate-energy ratio decreased, the fat-energy ratio increased significantly. The total dietary fibre and salt intake were 7.1 (5.6-8.4) g/1000 kcal and 6.5 (5.6-7.5) g/1000 kcal, respectively. Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus placed on a low-carbohydrate diet had a fat-to-energy ratio exceeding 30%, while the fat-energy ratio increased as the carbohydrate-energy ratio decreased.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Aged; Japan; Energy Intake; Diet Surveys; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Carbohydrates; Glycated Hemoglobin; Body Mass Index; East Asian People
PubMed: 38892591
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111658