Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Lycopene in citrus fruit: biochemical mechanisms, molecular insights and health implications.
Zacarías-García J, Karp D, Roberts J … +3 more , Tornero-Raga C, Zacarías L, Jesús Rodrigo M
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41693673 · Publisher ↗
Accumulation of the carotene lycopene in is an unusual trait found in a limited number of pummelos, grapefruits, oranges, lemons and related hybrids, imparting a distinctive pink-to-red color to the fruit. This phenotyp...
Accumulation of the carotene lycopene in is an unusual trait found in a limited number of pummelos, grapefruits, oranges, lemons and related hybrids, imparting a distinctive pink-to-red color to the fruit. This phenotype most often arises from spontaneous bud-sport mutations and is generally confined to the inner fruit tissues (endocarp), although in some cultivars lycopene is also found in the rind (flavedo) or albedo. Pink-fleshed cultivars typically show an altered carotenoid profile, particularly in the pulp, with higher total carotenoid levels than their parental or standard counterparts. Comparative analyses across citrus species and cultivars reveal both shared and distinct patterns in carotenoid accumulation and tissue-specific pigmentation. The genetic and molecular bases of these changes are not yet fully resolved and appear to differ among species and cultivars. Beyond their scientific interest, these cultivars present promising opportunities for commercial development due to their striking coloration and provide enhanced nutritional value because of their high carotenoid levels. This review integrates and compares evidence from multiple citrus species and cultivars on the origin and diversity of lycopene-accumulating , their characteristic carotenoid composition, the proposed molecular and biochemical mechanisms leading to lycopene accumulation, and the nutritional and health implications of pink-fleshed cultivars.
Effect of plant sterols on intestinal health: a comprehensive review of biological activity in targeting cancer and inflammation pathways.
Makran M, Garcia-Llatas G, Cilla A
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41693600 · Publisher ↗
The rising prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases has driven interest in novel therapeutic adjuvant strategies, including dietary bioactive compounds like plant sterols (PS). This review evaluates the scientific...
The rising prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases has driven interest in novel therapeutic adjuvant strategies, including dietary bioactive compounds like plant sterols (PS). This review evaluates the scientific evidence on the potential benefits of PS in intestinal diseases, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, analyzed 58 scientific articles. The findings, primarily from pre-clinical studies using cell lines and animal models, show that PS possess antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. PS appear to selectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation without affecting healthy cells by modulating key processes such as apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Additionally, PS have been shown to influence the colonic microbiota and can be metabolized into antiproliferative metabolites, which are crucial to their cancer-inhibiting effects. Moreover, PS reduce intestinal inflammation by targeting pathways like NF-κB and MAPK, lowering inflammation and oxidative stress markers while improving intestinal barrier integrity. While PS show promising therapeutic adjuvant potential for CRC and IBD, further research is needed to assess their effects in food matrices, employing control foods without PS to establish a clear cause-effect relationship. Finally, clinical trials are essential to verify their efficacy in humans and explore their application in clinical practice.
Recent advances in nanofiber-based probiotic delivery systems.
Qin X, Xu M, Lan H … +3 more , Hou Z, Jafari SM, Tan C
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41674233 · Publisher ↗
Probiotics are known for their health benefit on the host, whereas their viability and functionality are influenced by various complex factors such as acids, bile salts, oxidative stress, and during passage through the g...
Probiotics are known for their health benefit on the host, whereas their viability and functionality are influenced by various complex factors such as acids, bile salts, oxidative stress, and during passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Currently, nanofiber has emerged as a promising delivery system to improve the performance of probiotics through entrapment within a matrix of biopolymeric material. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent progress on probiotic encapsulation using nanofibers. Particular emphasis is given to the utilization of natural biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and their combination as wall materials of nanofibers. The properties, stabilizing mechanisms, and influencing factors of each type of the nanofibers are discussed. The role of prebiotic materials in nanofibers is also described. Finally, the challenges and future research directions of nanofibers in the probiotic encapsulation are proposed.
Nutrient requirements for adults with ulcerative colitis over the disease course: a systematic scoping review.
Plush S, Bryant RV, Davis RH … +2 more , Kumar S, Day AS
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41649484 · Publisher ↗
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colonic mucosa. Nutrient requirements for UC are often extrapolated from studies in Crohn's disease (CD) yet physiological differences between UC an...
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colonic mucosa. Nutrient requirements for UC are often extrapolated from studies in Crohn's disease (CD) yet physiological differences between UC and CD phenotypes may result in distinct nutrient requirements. This scoping review aimed to evaluate nutrient requirements for adults with UC. A scoping review with a systematic search strategy was conducted to June 2025. Data were extracted to identify nutrient requirements stratified by disease activity. Twenty-one studies involving 617 adults (274 male) were included. Measured resting energy expenditure (mREE) via indirect calorimetry ranged from 28.9 ± 3.2 to 31.5 ± 4.8 kcal/kg (fat free mass)/day (d) in quiescent UC, 26.4 kcal/kg/d in mild-moderate disease and 23.9 kcal/kg/d in acute severe UC (ASUC). Protein requirement, from historic studies, were 1.2-1.4 g/kg/d in ASUC. Protein requirements in quiescent or mild to moderate UC and whether elevated protein requirements persist in today's biologic era, remain unknown. Micronutrient requirement was investigated in mixed disease activity states confounding results. Evidence is insufficient to determine whether chronic inflammation in UC alters macro- and micronutrient requirements. Historical studies suggest increased protein requirements in ASUC, without evidence for quiescent or mild-moderate disease. Well-designed and disease activity-stratified studies are needed to establish evidence-based nutrient recommendations in UC.
Conceptual and methodological approaches applied to assessing plant food byproducts as prebiotics: a critical review of evidence and gaps.
Rodriguero GS, de Souza Aquino J, Gomes de Oliveira LI … +5 more , Silva FD, Santos LC, Céspedes-Acuña CL, Magnani M, Pimentel TC
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41642080 · Publisher ↗
Growing interest in microbiota-directed nutrition has intensified the evaluation of plant food byproducts as potential prebiotics. However, the evidence supporting these effects depends strongly on the conceptual definit...
Growing interest in microbiota-directed nutrition has intensified the evaluation of plant food byproducts as potential prebiotics. However, the evidence supporting these effects depends strongly on the conceptual definitions and methodological approaches applied to characterize prebiotic activity. This review provides a critical synthesis of the evolution of the prebiotic concept and the experimental conditions used to assess plant food byproducts, integrating compositional features, fermentation parameters, designs, and analytical criteria. studies consistently show that fruit-, seed-, grain-, and tuber-derived byproducts stimulate beneficial taxa such as , , , and , enhance short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and support phenolic biotransformation. These outcomes, however, are highly influenced by inoculum origin, fermentation systems, substrate dose, and physicochemical properties of the native plant matrix. Animal studies report improvements in intestinal barrier function, inflammation, and metabolic regulation, although inconsistencies in dosing and reporting limit comparability. Despite promising microbial and physiological effects, methodological heterogeneity prevents many substrates from being conclusively classified as prebiotics. Standardized characterization, multi-omics integration, advanced dynamic gut models, and well-designed clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Overall, plant food byproducts remain compelling candidates for prebiotic development, provided that their evaluation follows robust, consistent methodological frameworks.
Optimizing fruit and vegetable by-products/wastes exploitation: diversity, safety and biotechnological innovations based on lactic acid bacteria.
Selmi H, Presutto E, Capozzi V … +6 more , Bonassisa L, Drider D, Abidi F, Spano G, de Chiara MLV, Fragasso M
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41640242 · Publisher ↗
Over the last few years, global demand for fruit and vegetable production has increased as the world's population and demographics have shifted toward healthier lifestyles. Together, the agri-food industry has continued...
Over the last few years, global demand for fruit and vegetable production has increased as the world's population and demographics have shifted toward healthier lifestyles. Together, the agri-food industry has continued to grow worldwide, driven by advances in planting technology and the optimization of production processes, resulting in the generation of massive agricultural residues. These residues account for almost 50% of the primary material biomass, and they are rich in high-value components such as antioxidants, pigments, flavors, and dietary fibers. In this context, the circular economy concept has been proposed as a sustainable approach that aims to use agri-food by-products/wastes to reduce environmental pollution. Lactic fermentation is one of the earliest, versatile, and low-cost food processing techniques that utilizes lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to induce desirable biochemical transformations. This review proposes a holistic approach to this type of valorization, highlighting the different categories of fruits and vegetables, the effects of seasonality, the dynamics that lead to the production of by-products/wastes, the safety issues associated with the different contaminants, the regulatory environment, and critically overviewing the recent studies that proposed fruit and vegetable by-products/wastes processing using LAB as bioresources.
A comprehensive review on chemical modifications of plant proteins: mechanisms, influencing factors, and impacts on structural, functional, and nutritional properties.
Kong D, Liu H, Chen Q … +3 more , Liu Q, Sun F, Kong B
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41640043 · Publisher ↗
Plant proteins have gained increasing attention due to their sustainability and nutritional benefits, yet their complex structures and limited functional properties restrict their broader use in food systems. Chemical mo...
Plant proteins have gained increasing attention due to their sustainability and nutritional benefits, yet their complex structures and limited functional properties restrict their broader use in food systems. Chemical modification has emerged as an effective strategy to regulate protein conformation and functionality, but a comprehensive understanding of different modification mechanisms and their implications is still lacking. This review provides a systematic overview of five major chemical modification approaches-pH-shifting, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acylation, and deamidation-with emphasis on their underlying mechanisms and key influencing factors. In addition, recent findings on how these modifications alter secondary and tertiary structures and thereby enhance solubility, emulsifying, foaming, and gel properties are critically summarized. Finally, the review highlights the nutritional implications, challenges, and future perspectives of chemical modifications. Chemical modifications of plant proteins are mainly pH-shifting and glycosylation modifications. Glycosylation, phosphorylation, acylation, and deamidation modifications can be affected by a variety of factors compared to pH-shifting modification. Chemical modifications mainly alter the secondary and tertiary structure of plant proteins. Chemical modifications can significantly improve the functional properties (solubility, emulsifying, foaming, and gel properties) of plant proteins under specific conditions.
Processing strategies for pulse protein ingredients: a comprehensive review of current and emerging extraction, recovery, and drying methods.
Yang JS, Leite Nobrega De Moura Bell JM
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41635148 · Publisher ↗
Pulses have become important feedstocks for the production of plant-based protein ingredients. While solvent-free dry fractionation technologies have been developed, wet fractionation methods (aqueous extraction) remain...
Pulses have become important feedstocks for the production of plant-based protein ingredients. While solvent-free dry fractionation technologies have been developed, wet fractionation methods (aqueous extraction) remain prevalent in the food industry as they typically yield protein isolates of superior purity. Pulse protein processing involves extraction (i.e., separation of proteins into the aqueous extraction media), recovery (i.e., isolation of the proteins from other soluble components), and drying (i.e., removal of water for improved microbial stability and subsequent food formulation). The conditions of each of these unit operations can have significant effects on protein yield and the quality of the final product due to the sensitivity of pulse proteins to pH, heat, and other processing conditions. This review aims to synthesize existing literature exploring the impacts of incumbent and novel extraction, recovery, and drying methods on pulse protein yields, functionality, and biological properties, while highlighting studies that take a more holistic approach to guide process optimization. This review also emphasizes the potential applications of pulse protein processing co-products, including the insoluble starch/fiber fraction and the whey fraction (supernatant) obtained following isoelectric precipitation, to enhance overall process sustainability and profitability from an industrial perspective.
The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Collares LDN, Peres Messenburger G, Nuñez FF … +1 more , Pieniz S
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41630501 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global concern characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a mitochondrial cofactor with antioxidant properties, has b...
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global concern characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a mitochondrial cofactor with antioxidant properties, has been investigated for its potential role in glycemic regulation. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of oral CoQ10 supplementation on glycemic control markers in adults with and without T2DM. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to population type, dosage, and duration of intervention. Study quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool and the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Thirty-nine RCTs were included. CoQ10 supplementation was associated with modest but statistically significant reductions in FBG (-7.33 mg/dL; 95% CI: -10.67 to -3.99), HbA1c (-0.12%; 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.03), and fasting insulin (0.84 μIU/mL; 95% CI: -1.18 to -0.49) compared to placebo. CONCLUSION: CoQ10 supplementation may produce small improvements in glycemic markers, especially in individuals with T2DM. However, due to very low certainty of evidence, findings should be interpreted cautiously until confirmed by high-quality studies.
Polyphenols, epigenetics, and methionine metabolism: unlocking therapeutic potential.
Liang J, Zhao Y, Cheng Y … +7 more , Hu Z, Yuan Y, Xiao J, Farag MA, Cai X, Cao H, Yue T
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 · PMID 41622927 · Publisher ↗
Polyphenols, abundant in tea, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-derived foods, have emerged as key bioactive ingredients in the field of nutritional epigenetics. These polyphenols can modulate epigenetic modifications...
Polyphenols, abundant in tea, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-derived foods, have emerged as key bioactive ingredients in the field of nutritional epigenetics. These polyphenols can modulate epigenetic modifications through endogenous metabolic pathways that are highly sensitive to food signals. Among these, the methionine cycle plays a central role in maintaining the homeostasis of DNA, histone, and RNA methylation by controlling the cellular supply of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the universal methyl donor. Dietary polyphenols influence this cycle through multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of methionine adenosyltransferase activity, modulation of SAM biosynthesis, and promotion of S-adenosylhomocysteine clearance. These actions help restore methylation balance and contribute to the dietary prevention of metabolic, inflammatory, and age-related diseases. Furthermore, polyphenols are biotransformed in the gut microbiota to produce metabolites that further influence methionine metabolism and its associated epigenetic modifications. This review provides an overview of dietary polyphenols as functional food supplements that play a role in methionine metabolic homeostasis and epigenetic modification. This review provides new perspectives for the development of precision nutrition strategies, functional foods, and chronic disease prevention approaches.
Current status, challenges, and future prospects of non-thermal sterilization technologies in dairy products.
Ding N, Sun Q, Yu Z … +6 more , Jiang H, Du Q, Fan R, You L, Yang Y, Han R
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 · PMID 41622926 · Publisher ↗
Thermal sterilization is a conventional approach in dairy processing that effectively eliminates microbes and extends shelf life. However, it also degrades heat-sensitive compounds, produces potentially harmful by-produc...
Thermal sterilization is a conventional approach in dairy processing that effectively eliminates microbes and extends shelf life. However, it also degrades heat-sensitive compounds, produces potentially harmful by-products, affects taste, and slightly reduces the nutritional value of dairy products. As a result, non-thermal sterilization technologies have emerged as viable alternatives for milk sterilization and shelf-life extension, representing innovative techniques in dairy processing. This review introduces the principles of non-thermal sterilization methods, including high-pressure processing, microwave, ultrasound, irradiation, cold plasma, pulsed electric field, and combined non-thermal sterilization techniques. It explores their effectiveness in microbial inactivation and shelf-life enhancement, along with their impacts on protein and fat structure, bioactive compounds, and digestibility. This review further examines the benefits and challenges associated with non-thermal sterilization in dairy processing, highlighting their significance in the production of milk products that more closely reflect their natural form, in accordance with consumer preferences for high-quality, nutritious foods. Notably, non-thermal technologies not only improve product quality but also reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, supporting sustainable development. These technologies thus provide efficient processing solutions for the dairy industry, driving innovation and progress across the sector.
Will climate change affect nutrient, micronutrient and bioactive bioavailability?
Reboul E, Gomes AM, Petroni K … +8 more , Riso P, Toccaceli M, Real CV, Martins AP, Del Bo' C, Martini D, Marino M, Dupont D
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41622684 · Publisher ↗
Climate change is projected to profoundly affect global food systems, directly altering food availability and composition and, as a result, nutritional outcomes. Modifications to the composition and properties of food ma...
Climate change is projected to profoundly affect global food systems, directly altering food availability and composition and, as a result, nutritional outcomes. Modifications to the composition and properties of food matrices may, in turn, influence the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of food compounds. This can lead to changes in the bioavailability of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds. Additionally, strategies implemented to mitigate climate change, such as transitioning to green food processing methods or modifying diets, may also affect the content and bioavailability of (micro)nutrients in foods. In this review, we will discuss, for the first time, the direct and indirect relationships between climate change and the bioavailability of selected food compounds: proteins, fat-soluble micronutrients, minerals, phenolic compounds, and glucosinolates.
Protein-based hydrogels for food safety and human health.
Fu G, Hou J, Wu Q … +5 more , Xiong R, Malakar PK, Zhu Y, Zhao Y, Zhang Z
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Jan · PMID 41607208 · Publisher ↗
Ensuring food safety and promoting human health are of paramount importance in modern society. Consequently, the demand for materials designed to enhance both food safety and human well-being has grown rapidly, making th...
Ensuring food safety and promoting human health are of paramount importance in modern society. Consequently, the demand for materials designed to enhance both food safety and human well-being has grown rapidly, making this an important area of research. Protein-based hydrogels, as natural polymeric materials, possess biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable mechanical characteristics. These features make them highly promising candidates for diverse applications in food safety and human health. In the realm of food safety, these hydrogels can be applied in food packaging, quality safety monitoring, and the delivery of bioactive molecules. In human health, they serve functions in wound dressings, wearable devices, and drug delivery systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the research on protein-based hydrogels within the contexts of food safety and human health. Specifically, it focuses on key protein sources such as soybean protein, whey protein, casein, and silk fibroin. The review discusses the classification, preparation methods, and various applications of these hydrogels in the context of food safety and human health. Additionally, it summarizes the current state of research, identifies future developmental prospects, and highlights existing limitations and areas requiring improvement in the application of protein-based hydrogels within these fields.
Cell surface localization and function of the cell envelope proteinase derived from the lactic acid bacteria strains.
Ji Y, Lu X, Zheng K … +4 more , Bao W, Zhang T, Pan D, Wu Z
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Jan · PMID 41581060 · Publisher ↗
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are renowned for their proteolytic systems, particularly cell envelope proteinases (CEPs), which hydrolyze caseins into peptides and amino acids essential for bacterial growth, flavor developme...
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are renowned for their proteolytic systems, particularly cell envelope proteinases (CEPs), which hydrolyze caseins into peptides and amino acids essential for bacterial growth, flavor development, and bioactive peptide production. The protein hydrolysis system of LAB comprises cell envelope proteinases (CEPs), oligopeptide transport systems, and intracellular peptidases. Among them, CEP is pivotal, facilitating casein degradation to enhance flavor and texture in fermented products while releasing bioactive peptides through enzymatic hydrolysis. Additionally, CEP contributes significantly to bacterial physiological functions and interactions with the host Gastrointestinal tract. This review provides an updated synthesis of CEP biosynthesis, maturation, and regulation, highlighting novel insights into strain-specific CEP diversity and omics-driven elucidation of CEP-host interactions. Unique regulatory mechanisms governing CEP expression in mixed cultures, such as CodY repression in and two-component systems in , as well as targeted genetic engineering strategies to enhance the release of customized peptides. Furthermore, we emphasize the underexplored health applications of CEP-derived bioactive peptides, while critically addressing challenges in peptide stability and bioavailability. By integrating structural-functional relationships, metabolic implications, and translational hurdles, it aims to guide future research toward industrial and clinical exploitation of CEPs for functional food innovation and therapeutic development.
Wild blueberries and cardiometabolic health: a current review of the evidence.
Johnson SA, Klimis-Zacas D, Basu A … +9 more , Bolling BW, Feresin RG, Hooshmand S, Joris PJ, Li Z, Lila MA, Stull AJ, Anandh Babu PV, Weir TL
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Jan · PMID 41579395 · Publisher ↗
Wild blueberries ( Ait.) are North American perennial plants rich in polyphenols, including flavonoids, beneficial to human health. This article provides a summary of the evidence and perspectives presented at an expert...
Wild blueberries ( Ait.) are North American perennial plants rich in polyphenols, including flavonoids, beneficial to human health. This article provides a summary of the evidence and perspectives presented at an expert symposium that focused on wild blueberries and cardiometabolic health. Topics covered include historical perspectives, food matrix and bioavailability, clinical and translational evidence on blueberries and cardiometabolic health, mechanisms of action, the role of the gut microbiome, knowledge gaps, and future research. Overall, data support that acute and chronic wild blueberry consumption can favorably affect measures of cardiometabolic health and related health outcomes such as the gut microbiota and cognitive function. Mechanistically, data suggest wild blueberry polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, mediate the cardiometabolic benefits of dietary blueberries by acting on multiple targets. However, the cardiometabolic health benefits of wild blueberry consumption are equivocal, and future research should aim to understand factors and mechanisms contributing to individual and subgroup responses. Future studies should also investigate comprehensive biomarkers of cardiometabolic health and explore standardized methodological and precision nutrition approaches. Finally, evaluation and confirmation of wild blueberry phytochemicals, dosing strategies and food matrix interactions are needed to strengthen clinical trial designs and extend dietary recommendations to broader public health benefits.
Bridging epidemiological evidence and dietary health impact models: a structured approach for selecting risk-outcome pairs.
Jacob AE, Dénos C, Boone L … +6 more , Cooreman-Algoed M, Dewulf J, Jakobsen MU, Vandevijvere S, Pires SM, Jakobsen LS
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Jan · PMID 41575377 · Publisher ↗
Dietary health impact modeling often underpins health impact assessments - valuable decision-support tools for public health nutrition. These models depend on epidemiological evidence to quantify associations between die...
Dietary health impact modeling often underpins health impact assessments - valuable decision-support tools for public health nutrition. These models depend on epidemiological evidence to quantify associations between dietary risk factors and health outcomes. However, the review and selection of evidence pose remains challenging due to a lack of systematic approaches for risk-outcome pair selection and difficulties extracting harmonized dose-response data from published literature. To address these challenges, this work aimed to 1) update the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 (NNR2023) epidemiological evidence base and suggest an approach for comparing evidence grading systems, 2) propose a streamlined method to extract non-linear dose-response curves from meta-analyses, and 3) construct an open-access database of the synthesized evidence. The NNR2023 search methodology was replicated, and risk-outcome pairs were selected using modified NNR2023 criteria. Non-linear relationships were estimated by extracting data points with an open-source graph reader and fitting piecewise constant functions. From the selected updated and original NNR2023 evidence, 159 risk-outcome associations were included, of which 51 were non-linear, and around 40% achieved levels of at least mid-range evidence certainty. The provided database and methodology contribute to increased transparency and provide a standard approach to evidence selection and use in dietary health impact modeling.
Algal-derived oligopeptides: overcoming extraction, and purification barriers for sustainable nutraceuticals innovation.
Perumal PK, Dubey S, Wani HMUD … +3 more , Singhania RR, Bhatia SK, Patel AK
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Jan · PMID 41572606 · Publisher ↗
Algae-derived oligopeptides have emerged as high-value biomolecules for health and industrial applications due to their superior solubility, stability, and bioavailability compared with intact proteins. However, large-sc...
Algae-derived oligopeptides have emerged as high-value biomolecules for health and industrial applications due to their superior solubility, stability, and bioavailability compared with intact proteins. However, large-scale utilization remains constrained by low extraction yields from conventional processes, complex purification requirements, and the absence of standardized handling protocols for low-molecular-weight peptides. This review critically examines recent technological advances aimed at overcoming these limitations, with emphasis on innovative extraction approaches such as subcritical water processing and ionic liquid-based techniques. In contrast to bulk proteins that require extensive hydrolysis, oligopeptides are inherently small, readily soluble, and easily absorbed, making them well-suited for functional food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical applications. Nevertheless, the structural complexity of algal proteins continues to restrict extraction efficiency and increase processing costs. Recent integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning-assisted proteomics with nanomaterial-based separation platforms has significantly improved peptide characterization, purification efficiency, and bioactivity validation. By addressing key research gaps, particularly the transition from findings to clinical relevance, this review outlines a framework for advancing algal oligopeptides as scalable next-generation bioactives. These compounds exhibit diverse therapeutic activities, including antioxidants, antihypertensives, antidiabetics, and dermatological effects, while supporting sustainable bioprocessing and responsible marine resource utilization.
Machine learning-based meat freshness evaluation: principle, pipeline and application.
Han Y, Jia X, Yu L … +7 more , Ma P, Zong S, Sun J, Hou W, Yi Y, Zhang X, Chen S
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Jan · PMID 41569041 · Publisher ↗
Ensuring the freshness of meat is crucial for food safety and consumer trust. Traditional methods for evaluating meat freshness, such as sensory analysis and chemical assays, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and dest...
Ensuring the freshness of meat is crucial for food safety and consumer trust. Traditional methods for evaluating meat freshness, such as sensory analysis and chemical assays, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and destructive. Machine learning (ML) offers a promising alternative by providing real-time, nondestructive solutions for monitoring meat quality, rationalizing the food industry. This review examines the principles and applications of ML in meat freshness evaluation, focusing on key algorithms like Principal Component Regression (PCR), Partial Least Squares (PLS), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and neural networks. It also details the ML-based detection pipeline, covering data acquisition, preprocessing, model selection, and fine-tuning. The paper highlights recent advancements in ML approaches tailored for meat freshness assessment, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and ensemble learning models, which have proven effective in tackling spoilage rate, safety concerns, and the complex chemical composition of meat. However, challenges remain, including the need for high-quality datasets and model interpretability. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the widespread adoption of ML-based solutions in meat freshness detection, ultimately leading to safer and higher-quality food products.
Role of the EPA: DHA dosing ratio in omega-3 supplements on blood fatty acid profiles and inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Khabir Z, Abdelhafez A, Camponovo F … +2 more , Joyce P, Garcia-Bennett A
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Jan · PMID 41568426 · Publisher ↗
Most omega-3 supplements contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in defined ratios, yet their pharmacokinetic and anti-inflammatory effects are not fully understood. This systematic review and...
Most omega-3 supplements contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in defined ratios, yet their pharmacokinetic and anti-inflammatory effects are not fully understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated how EPA:DHA dosing ratios, alongside EPA+DHA daily dose, influence blood fatty acid profiles and inflammatory markers across 96 clinical trials published before February 2025. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. EPA+DHA supplementation significantly increased EPA:DHA blood ratios and blood EPA+DHA levels, with larger effects in healthy individuals. Supplementation also reduced arachidonic acid (AA) and key inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), particularly in participants with underlying health conditions. Ratios <1.0 produced the greatest cytokine reductions, whereas ratios ≥1.0 most effectively increased the EPA:DHA blood ratio and lowered AA. EPA+DHA doses of 1-3 g/day were associated with the most consistent reductions in CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6. Linear regression showed a strong association between the EPA:DHA dosing ratio and the EPA:DHA blood ratio and identified the EPA:DHA blood ratio as the strongest predictor of AA reduction. These findings indicate distinct ratio- and dose-dependent effects of EPA and DHA and highlight the importance of optimizing omega-3 formulations to enhance bioavailability and anti-inflammatory outcomes.
Role of fermentation-resistant and non-fermentable fibers in gastrointestinal health: mechanisms, benefits, and challenges.
Modasia AA, Spiller RC, Warren FJ
Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr · 2026 Jan · PMID 41563139 · Publisher ↗
Fermentability is largely dictated by fiber structure, which shapes physiochemical properties and microbial accessibility. While many fibers are rapidly fermented, others are only partially degraded or remain non-ferment...
Fermentability is largely dictated by fiber structure, which shapes physiochemical properties and microbial accessibility. While many fibers are rapidly fermented, others are only partially degraded or remain non-fermentable yet still provide benefits such as bulking, improved motility, and altered colonic environment. Interindividual variation in gut physiology and microbiota composition adds further complexity, making it challenging to predict fiber-specific outcomes. Mechanistic studies of these resistant fibers and their interactions with other dietary polysaccharides remain relatively limited. Dietary fibers are indigestible carbohydrate polymers that are structurally and functionally diverse, encompassing natural, extracted, and synthetic forms. Their glycosidic linkages are selectively degraded by colonic bacteria that express specialized enzymes generating gases and metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids. Delaying rather than inhibiting fermentation is desirable as it delivers these beneficial metabolites to distal regions of the colon, where they exert protective and anti-carcinogenic effects. This review focuses on the physiochemical properties of fermentation-resistant and non-fermentable fibers, highlighting their role in gastrointestinal health. We emphasize magnetic resonance imaging to noninvasively monitor gut motility and regional fermentation dynamics We discuss how structural attributes can prolong fermentation and target distal colonic metabolism, ultimately helping to guide tailored dietary interventions to maximize fiber's therapeutic potential.
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