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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 2024Many of today's recreational runners have changed their diet from omnivorous to vegetarian or vegan for reasons like better sport performance, animal ethics, positive...
Dietary Habits and Race Day Strategies among Flexitarian, Vegetarian, and Vegan Recreational Endurance Runners: A Cross-Sectional Investigation from The NURMI Study (Step 2).
Many of today's recreational runners have changed their diet from omnivorous to vegetarian or vegan for reasons like better sport performance, animal ethics, positive health, eco-aspects, or male infertility. Others have constructed the flexitarian diet due to current trends in sustainable eating. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the dietary habits and race day strategies of recreational endurance runners following current sustainable dietary trends. Recreational endurance runners (18+ years) were invited to complete the standardized online survey on socio-demography/anthropometry, motivations, running/racing history, food frequency, and race day dietary strategy. Chi-squared tests and Wilcoxon tests were used for the statistical analysis. In total, 289 participants submitted the survey; 146 subjects following flexitarian ( = 34), vegetarian ( = 50), or vegan ( = 62) diets were included in the final sample. Significant differences were found across the diet types: BMI ( = 0.018), fruit/vegetable consumption ( < 0.001), and the dietary motive of performance ( = 0.045). The findings suggest that the flexitarian diet may be appropriate for health- and environmentally conscious populations living in a meat-centered society and lacking social support to eat completely vegetarian/vegan. Following a plant-based diet is perceived as easy for health-conscious, athletic populations, and the vegan diet does not require a particularly effortful/complex race day strategy for endurance runners.
Topics: Humans; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Running; Diet, Vegetarian; Diet, Vegan; Feeding Behavior; Female; Middle Aged; Physical Endurance; Vegans; Vegetarians; Recreation; Young Adult; Diet
PubMed: 38892580
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111647 -
Nutrients May 2024With the global aging population, addressing prevalent age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia is crucial. Traditional nutritional strategies focusing...
With the global aging population, addressing prevalent age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia is crucial. Traditional nutritional strategies focusing on single nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, or protein have limitations, prompting a nuanced exploration of the relationship between aging, nutrition, and musculoskeletal health. This cross-sectional study examines the complex interplay between dietary intake of macronutrients, common micronutrients, and water, as well as their association with musculoskeletal health in adults aged 50 to 80 years, using U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (NHANES). Employing multiple linear regression, restricted cubic splines, weighted quantile sum (WQS), and quantile-based g-computation (QGC) regression models, our initial analysis using the WQS model revealed that a one-quartile increase in mixed macronutrient intake was associated with a significant 0.009 unit increase in bone mineral density (BMD) and a 0.670 unit increase in grip strength, while a similar increase in mixed micronutrient intake showed a 0.007 unit increase in BMD and a 0.442 unit increase in grip strength. Our findings highlight the importance of a balanced dietary approach in promoting musculoskeletal health in the elderly, offering holistic strategies for overall well-being.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Micronutrients; Male; Female; Nutrients; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged, 80 and over; Nutrition Surveys; Bone Density; Nutritional Status; Aging; Diet; Hand Strength; Osteoporosis
PubMed: 38892573
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111640 -
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 2024The acceleration of aging is a risk factor for numerous diseases, and diet has been identified as an especially effective anti-aging method. Currently, research on the...
The acceleration of aging is a risk factor for numerous diseases, and diet has been identified as an especially effective anti-aging method. Currently, research on the relationship between dietary nutrient intake and accelerated aging remains limited, with existing studies focusing on the intake of a small number of individual dietary nutrients. Comprehensive research on the single and mixed anti-aging effects of dietary nutrients has not been conducted. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the effects of numerous dietary nutrient intakes, both singly and in combination, on the acceleration of aging. Data for this study were extracted from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). The acceleration of aging was measured by phenotypic age acceleration. Linear regression (linear), restricted cubic spline (RCS) (nonlinear), and weighted quantile sum (WQS) (mixed effect) models were used to explore the association between dietary nutrient intake and accelerated aging. A total of 4692 participants aged ≥ 20 were included in this study. In fully adjusted models, intakes of 16 nutrients were negatively associated with accelerated aging (protein, vitamin E, vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin K, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, dietary fiber, and alcohol). Intakes of total sugars, vitamin C, vitamin K, caffeine, and alcohol showed significant nonlinear associations with accelerated aging. Additionally, mixed dietary nutrient intakes were negatively associated with accelerated aging. Single dietary nutrients as well as mixed nutrient intake may mitigate accelerated aging. Moderately increasing the intake of specific dietary nutrients and maintaining dietary balance may be key strategies to prevent accelerated aging.
Topics: Humans; Nutrition Surveys; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Diet; Nutrients; Aging; Aged; Young Adult; Eating; Linear Models
PubMed: 38892569
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111635 -
Nutrients May 2024The intestinal tract of humans harbors a dynamic and complex bacterial community known as the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in regulating functions such as... (Review)
Review
The intestinal tract of humans harbors a dynamic and complex bacterial community known as the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in regulating functions such as metabolism and immunity in the human body. Numerous studies conducted in recent decades have also highlighted the significant potential of the gut microbiota in promoting human health. It is widely recognized that training and nutrition strategies are pivotal factors that allow athletes to achieve optimal performance. Consequently, there has been an increasing focus on whether training and dietary patterns influence sports performance through their impact on the gut microbiota. In this review, we aim to present the concept and primary functions of the gut microbiota, explore the relationship between exercise and the gut microbiota, and specifically examine the popular dietary patterns associated with athletes' sports performance while considering their interaction with the gut microbiota. Finally, we discuss the potential mechanisms by which dietary patterns affect sports performance from a nutritional perspective, aiming to elucidate the intricate interplay among dietary patterns, the gut microbiota, and sports performance. We have found that the precise application of specific dietary patterns (ketogenic diet, plant-based diet, high-protein diet, Mediterranean diet, and high intake of carbohydrate) can improve vascular function and reduce the risk of illness in health promotion, etc., as well as promoting recovery and controlling weight with regard to improving sports performance, etc. In conclusion, although it can be inferred that certain aspects of an athlete's ability may benefit from specific dietary patterns mediated by the gut microbiota to some extent, further high-quality clinical studies are warranted to substantiate these claims and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Athletic Performance; Athletes; Diet; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Exercise; Feeding Behavior; Dietary Patterns
PubMed: 38892567
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111634 -
Nutrients May 2024Meals comprising a staple grain, a main, and side dishes (SMS meals) promote good dietary intake, yet limited studies have examined their multifactorial relationship...
Meals comprising a staple grain, a main, and side dishes (SMS meals) promote good dietary intake, yet limited studies have examined their multifactorial relationship with dietary intake. We investigated how demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary habits affect the relationship between SMS meal frequency and nutrient intake adequacy. This cross-sectional study analyzed survey data from 331 Japanese adults (208 men and 123 women) aged 30-69 years in February 2019. SMS meal frequency was evaluated according to respondents' answers to how many days a week they consumed ≥2 daily SMS meals. Dietary intake was evaluated using the brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. Differences in nutrient intake adequacy among groups according to SMS meal frequency were determined using multiple logistic regression. Less frequent SMS meals correlated with a lower intake of protein, water-soluble vitamins, and certain minerals, with more individuals falling below the estimated average requirement for nutrient intake. However, no relationship was found between SMS meal frequency and nutrient intake concerning tentative dietary goals for preventing lifestyle-related diseases. Our findings indicate that adopting SMS meals could achieve adequate intake of some nutrients and enhance overall diet quality among Japanese adults.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Male; Female; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Meals; Aged; Japan; Feeding Behavior; Diet; Nutritive Value; Edible Grain; Nutritional Status; Life Style; Energy Intake; East Asian People
PubMed: 38892562
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111628 -
Nutrients May 2024This study examined whey protein's impact on insulin resistance in a high-fat diet-induced pediatric obesity mouse model. Pregnant mice were fed high-fat diets, and male...
This study examined whey protein's impact on insulin resistance in a high-fat diet-induced pediatric obesity mouse model. Pregnant mice were fed high-fat diets, and male pups continued this diet until 8 weeks old, then were split into high-fat, whey, and casein diet groups. At 12 weeks old, their body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood insulin level (IRI), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), liver lipid metabolism gene expression, and liver metabolites were compared. The whey group showed significantly lower body weight than the casein group at 12 weeks old ( = 0.034). FBG was lower in the whey group compared to the high-fat diet group ( < 0.01) and casein group ( = 0.058); IRI and HOMA-IR were reduced in the whey group compared to the casein group ( = 0.02, < 0.01, < 0.01, respectively). The levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and hormone-sensitive lipase were upregulated in the whey group compared to the casein group ( < 0.01, = 0.03). Metabolomic analysis revealed that the levels of taurine and glycine, both known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, were upregulated in the whey group in the liver tissue ( < 0.01, < 0.01). The intake of whey protein was found to improve insulin resistance in a high-fat diet-induced pediatric obesity mouse model.
Topics: Animals; Whey Proteins; Insulin Resistance; Diet, High-Fat; Male; Mice; Disease Models, Animal; Pediatric Obesity; Liver; Female; Blood Glucose; Insulin; Lipid Metabolism; Pregnancy; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 38892554
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111622 -
Nutrients May 2024We previously demonstrated that diet supplementation with seaweed () prevented AD-related pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Here, we tested a...
We previously demonstrated that diet supplementation with seaweed () prevented AD-related pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Here, we tested a lipid extract of seaweed () and a supercritical fluid (SCF) extract of that is free of excess inorganic arsenic. Diet supplementation with extract prevented cognitive deterioration in APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. Similar trends were observed for the SCF extract. The cerebral amyloid-β plaque load remained unaffected. However, IHC analysis revealed that both extracts lowered glial markers in the brains of APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. While cerebellar cholesterol concentrations remained unaffected, both extracts increased desmosterol, an endogenous LXR agonist with anti-inflammatory properties. Both extracts increased cholesterol efflux, and particularly, extract decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. Additionally, our findings suggest a reduction of AD-associated phosphorylated tau and promotion of early oligodendrocyte differentiation by . RNA sequencing on the hippocampus of one-week-treated APPswePS1ΔE9 mice revealed effects of on, amongst others, acetylcholine and synaptogenesis signaling pathways. In conclusion, extracts of and show potential to reduce AD-related pathology in APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. Increasing desmosterol concentrations may contribute to these effects by dampening neuroinflammation.
Topics: Animals; Alzheimer Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Dietary Supplements; Seaweed; Mice; Hippocampus; Plant Extracts; Mice, Transgenic; Sargassum; Humans; Plaque, Amyloid; Cholesterol; Male; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; tau Proteins
PubMed: 38892548
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111614 -
Nutrients May 2024Variants in fat mass and the obesity-associated protein () gene have long been recognized as the most significant genetic predictors of body fat mass and obesity....
BACKGROUND
Variants in fat mass and the obesity-associated protein () gene have long been recognized as the most significant genetic predictors of body fat mass and obesity. Nevertheless, despite the overall evidence, there are conflicting reports regarding the correlation between different polymorphisms of the gene and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, it is unclear whether influences metabolic syndrome (MetS) through mechanisms other than BMI's impact. In this work, we aimed to analyze the impact of the following polymorphisms on the BMI as well as MetS components in a population of young adult men.
METHODS
The patient group consisted of 279 Polish young adult men aged 28.92 (4.28) recruited for the MAGNETIC trial. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), located in the first intron of the gene, were genotyped, and the results were used to identify "protective" and "risk" haplotypes and diplotypes based on the literature data. Laboratory, as well as anthropometric measurements regarding MetS, were performed. Measured MetS components included those used in the definition in accordance with the current guidelines. Data regarding dietary patterns were also collected, and principal components of the dietary patterns were identified.
RESULTS
No statistically significant correlations were identified between the analyzed diplotypes and BMI ( = 0.53) or other MetS components (waist circumference = 0.55; triglycerides = 0.72; HDL cholesterol = 0.33; blood glucose = 0.20; systolic blood pressure = 0.06; diastolic blood pressure = 0.21). Stratification by the level of physical activity or adherence to the dietary patterns also did not result in any statistically significant result.
CONCLUSIONS
Some studies have shown that SNPs such as rs1421085, rs1121980, rs8050136, rs9939609, and rs9930506 have an impact on the BMI or other MetS components; nevertheless, this was not replicated in this study of Polish young adult males.
Topics: Humans; Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Body Mass Index; Adult; Poland; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Young Adult; Haplotypes; Life Style; Diet; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Feeding Behavior; Dietary Patterns
PubMed: 38892547
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111615