Eur J Nutr [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Association between essential trace elements, dietary patterns, and biological aging.
Wang W, Yang K, Li J … +8 more , Lin Y, Rao M, Zhang Y, Duoliken H, Jin M, Wang J, Chen K, Tang M
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42191913 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Biological aging (BA), compared with chronological age (CA), might be a better indicator for understanding aging process. Although essential trace elements (ETEs) and dietary patterns were associated with var...
BACKGROUND: Biological aging (BA), compared with chronological age (CA), might be a better indicator for understanding aging process. Although essential trace elements (ETEs) and dietary patterns were associated with various health effects, there were limited studies of their interactive effects on BA. METHODS: A total of 2627 older adults (≥ 65 years) were enrolled in this study, and we measured two composite BA indicators, the residual from regressing Klemera and Doubal Methods biological age on CA (KDM-advance) and dysregulation of homeostasis (HD). Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer were used to determine the concentrations of ETEs. The associations between six ETEs, dietary patterns, and BA indicators were analyzed by multiple linear regression. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation were used to explore the mixed effect of ETEs. Interactions of ETEs and dietary patterns, as well as the mediating effect of ETEs on the relationship between dietary patterns and BA indicators were further assessed. RESULTS: BKMR showed ETEs mixture was associated with decelerated BA indicators, with Se as the dominant contributor. An interquartile range increase in ln-transformed Se was associated with a 0.60-year decrease in KDM-advance. And ln-transformed Se was negatively associated with HD (β = - 0.09, 95%CI: - 0.14, - 0.04). High-protein (β = - 0.34, 95%CI: - 0.65, - 0.03) and plant-based dietary patterns (β = - 0.36, 95%CI: - 0.68, - 0.05) were associated with decelerated KDM-advance, respectively. Pickled foods dietary pattern weakened the protective associations of Cr with HD (Pint = 0.002). Se mediated the relationship between high-protein dietary pattern and KDM-advance, with the proportion of 17.2%. CONCLUSION: Mixed ETEs was negatively associated with BA indicators, KDM-advance and HD, with Se as the dominant contributor. Pickled foods dietary pattern attenuated the protective association between Cr and HD. And Se mediated the relationship between high-protein dietary pattern and KDM-advance. These findings may help to improve dietary guidelines for ETEs-related BA deceleration.
Short-term high sodium intake increases nocturnal blood pressure but not arterial stiffness in Black adults.
Hunter-Cooper SD, Rahimi M, Millet P … +3 more , Lopez MR, Kavouras SA, Gona PN
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42191891 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: High sodium intake has been associated with greater pressor responses in Black compared with White adults. While the acute effects of sodium on BP have been studied in Black adults, to our knowledge, no stu...
INTRODUCTION: High sodium intake has been associated with greater pressor responses in Black compared with White adults. While the acute effects of sodium on BP have been studied in Black adults, to our knowledge, no studies have explored sodium's effects on arterial stiffness in this population. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of short-term high sodium intake on BP and arterial stiffness in Black men and women. Urinary and blood markers associated with renal sodium handling were also assessed. We hypothesized that high-sodium intake would be associated with increased BP and arterial stiffness. METHODS: Thirty-four participants (ages 20-60 years) completed a dietary intervention consisting of 3 days of low-sodium intake (≤ 31 mmol/day) followed by 3 days of high-sodium intake (201 mmol/day). Ambulatory BP and 24-h urinary sodium excretion were measured during the final 24 h of each dietary phase and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), urine specific gravity, and hematocrit were measured under fasting conditions the mornings after each 3-day dietary phase. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that three days of high-sodium intake was associated with significant increases in body mass, nighttime diastolic and mean BP, and urinary sodium and sodium excretion compared to low-sodium intake (P < 0.05 for all). Hematocrit was significantly reduced after the high-sodium dietary intervention (P < 0.001). Arterial stiffness as measured via CAVI was unaltered. CONCLUSION: In summary, short-term high sodium intake resulted in increased nocturnal BP without significant changes in arterial stiffness in Black men and women.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the postprandial dose-dependent effects of wild blueberries on metabolic and cognitive outcomes following a high-carbohydrate breakfast.
Ellis LR, O'Connor D, Khan H … +2 more , Dye L, Boesch C
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42191861 · Full text
PURPOSE: Despite equivocal human study data, anthocyanin-rich blueberries are associated with positive glycaemic effects which could benefit satiety and other cardiometabolic outcomes. The objective of this study was to...
PURPOSE: Despite equivocal human study data, anthocyanin-rich blueberries are associated with positive glycaemic effects which could benefit satiety and other cardiometabolic outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the dose-dependent effects of freeze-dried wild blueberries on postprandial glucose response simultaneously with changes in satiety, blood pressure and cognitive function. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy participants (F = 22), mean BMI 22.9 kg/m and mean age 28 years were recruited to a randomized crossover study in which they received a carbohydrate-rich breakfast with a wild blueberry or placebo-matched drink (250 mL) providing 0, 150, 300 or 450 mg anthocyanins. At baseline and at 30 min intervals during the 3-h postprandial phase, blood pressure, subjective appetite ratings and gastrointestinal satiety hormones from a plasma sample (up to 150 min) were recorded. Blood glucose was measured using continuous glucose monitoring. Cognitive performance was assessed at baseline and 90 min post-meal consumption. RESULTS: Postprandial glucose and insulin levels declined in a dose-dependent manner. Medium and high doses showed significantly lower glucose and insulin compared to control during the first hour. Concurrently, satiety hormones GLP-1, PYY, and GIP demonstrated significant increases, most pronounced at the highest dose (450 mg anthocyanins), although subjective appetite was unaltered. Cognitive assessments using the Visual Verbal Learning Test, Corsi test and Rapid Visual Information Processing test revealed no significant intervention effects and blood pressure was unaffected. CONCLUSION: Wild blueberry effects on postprandial glucose and appetite hormone responses were evident at anthocyanin doses of 300 mg and above but did not impact other outcomes in healthy adults. Further studies should include individuals with metabolic and/or cognitive vulnerability in longer term interventions to confirm benefits of wild blueberries.
Effects of oral nutritional supplement on growth and body composition in malnutrition at risk and malnourished children: MARVEL study, a multi-center randomized controlled trial.
Suteerojntrakool O, Thaweekul P, Saengnipanthkul S … +3 more , Wannaphahoon K, Mekangkul E, Chomtho S
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42189283 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of oral nutritional supplement (ONS) on growth and body composition in undernourished children. METHODS: Thai children aged 1-6 years with weight-for-height (WFH) z-scores betw...
PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of oral nutritional supplement (ONS) on growth and body composition in undernourished children. METHODS: Thai children aged 1-6 years with weight-for-height (WFH) z-scores between - 1 SD and - 3 SD were randomized (1:1) to receive either dietary counselling alone (DC group) or counselling plus 420 mL/day of a cow's milk-based ONS (1 kcal/mL; energy distribution: 10% protein, 49% carbohydrate, 41% fat; fortified with calcium, vitamin D, iron, and zinc) for 3 months. Weight and height were measured at baseline, 1, and 3 months and compared with WHO standards. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis in children aged ≥ 3 years old at the same period. RESULTS: A total of 159 children (78 DC and 81 ONS), with mean ages (95% CI) of 3.5 (3.15-3.90) and 3.49 (3.10-3.90) years, were included. After 3 months, the ONS group demonstrated higher gains in weight, height, weight-for-age (WFA) and weight-for-height (WFH) z-score compared to the DC group [mean difference (95% CI): weight 0.16 (0.04-0.28) kg; height: 0.42 (0.05-0.79) cm; WFA z-score: 0.10 (0.01-0.18); WFH z-score: 0.13 (- 0.02 to 0.27)]. Gains in fat-free mass were higher with ONS at both 1 and 3 months [mean difference (95%CI): 0.26 (0.01-0.50) and 0.36 (0.10-0.63) kg]. Soft lean mass gain was also significantly greater in the ONS group at 3 months [0.39 (0.11-0.68) kg]. CONCLUSIONS: ONS combined with dietary counselling improved growth and fat-free mass, supporting its role in promoting healthier body composition and long-term metabolic health. TCTR20220908004. CATEGORY OF STUDY: Randomized controlled trials.
Effects of a nutritional supplement containing fish protein, vitamin D, and ω3 fatty acids, taken during high-intensity functional training, on physical performance in recreationally trained individuals: a randomized controlled trial.
Kosmidis I, Karpouzi C, Petridou A … +3 more , Voulgaridou G, Bogdanis GC, Mougios V
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42189275 · Full text
PURPOSE: Research on supplementation during high-intensity functional training (HIFT) is limited. We examined the effects of a multi-ingredient supplement containing fish protein, vitamin D, and ω3 fatty acids, taken dur...
PURPOSE: Research on supplementation during high-intensity functional training (HIFT) is limited. We examined the effects of a multi-ingredient supplement containing fish protein, vitamin D, and ω3 fatty acids, taken during HIFT, on physical performance in trained individuals. METHODS: Twenty-five recreationally trained participants (14 females, 11 males) underwent 6 weeks of HIFT (3 times/week) while taking each of three supplements, separated by 2-week washout periods in a researcher-blinded, randomized, triple-crossover, and counterbalanced fashion. The supplements and daily doses were (a) 0.6 g fish protein/kg body mass, 21 μg vitamin D, and 1.8 g ω3 fatty acids [including 1.4 g eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], (b) 0.6 g/kg whey protein, and (c) 0.6 g/kg maltodextrin. Participants followed isoenergetic diets providing 1.0 g protein/kg body mass, 30 μg vitamin D, and 0.2 g EPA and DHA daily. Training variables were assessed during the 1st and 6th weeks of each intervention period. Endurance and strength variables were measured before and after each intervention period. Data were analyzed using 2-way repeated-measure ANOVA (supplement × training). RESULTS: HIFT augmented workout duration per training session (p = 0.007). One-repetition maximum and maximal force of shoulder press, as well as strength endurance of core muscles, increased by 3-6% with training (p < 0.001). Supplementation did not affect any of these adaptations. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks of HIFT improved some training and performance variables in recreationally trained adults. However, increasing the intake of protein, vitamin D, and ω3 fatty acids did not influence the variables assessed. TRIAL REGISTATION NUMBER: NCT05402527 (22/4/2022), clinicaltrials.gov.
Adherence to the eat-lancet planetary health diet and sustainability impacts of the Swiss diet.
Suter F, Frehner A, Muller A … +3 more , Moretti D, Rohrmann S, Pestoni G
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42141067 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Diets low in quality represent a large risk for global mortality, morbidity, and environmental deterioration. In 2019, the EAT-Lancet commission published a universal reference diet, the 'planetary health diet'...
PURPOSE: Diets low in quality represent a large risk for global mortality, morbidity, and environmental deterioration. In 2019, the EAT-Lancet commission published a universal reference diet, the 'planetary health diet' (PHD), focusing on human health and sustainability. We aimed to compare the average Swiss diet, four Swiss dietary patterns, and the sex- and language-specific dietary habits with the PHD with respect to adherence and sustainability. METHODS: Data of the cross-sectional population-based National Nutrition Survey menuCH (2014-2015, n = 2057) were used. Food consumption was assessed with 24-hours dietary recalls. Using the multiple source method, the usual dietary intake was determined. Sustainability impacts were examined by determining Greenhouse Gas emissions, total land and grassland use, the Social Hotspots Index, and diet's costs. Adherence and sustainability of the Swiss diet were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Participants consumed on average more red meat, dairy products, and added sugar and less whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and unsaturated fats than recommended by the PHD. None or few of the participants adhered to the whole grains (0.0%), legumes (0.0%), and nuts (5.1%) recommendations, whereas nearly all adhered to the tubers and starchy vegetables (97.7%) and saturated fats (99.9%) recommendations. Overall, diets low in animal-source products tended to have reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions and land use, whereas diets high in fruits and vegetables tended to have higher costs and risks of adverse social impacts. In the subgroup analyses, closer adherence to the PHD was seen among females and among participants following the Prudent dietary pattern, while the differences in sustainability impacts were generally small among subgroups. CONCLUSION: A dietary shift decreasing consumption of animal-based protein sources and increasing consumption of plant-based foods would be beneficial for Swiss residents' health and lower the environmental footprint of the average Swiss diet. Policy measures should incentivize this dietary shift towards a healthier and more sustainable diet, especially among males and individuals following a traditional or Western dietary pattern, as they have the highest potential for improvement.
Exposure to Global Burden of Disease dietary factors and risk of recurrent depressive symptoms: the prospective Whitehall II cohort study.
Akbaraly T, Norton J, Mura T … +6 more , Jaussent I, Lassale C, Jacka FN, O'Neil A, Kivimaki M, Ashtree DN
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42133131 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Despite growing evidence related diet quality to depression, the extent to which the dietary risk factors proposed by the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) are associated with depression at international level rem...
PURPOSE: Despite growing evidence related diet quality to depression, the extent to which the dietary risk factors proposed by the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) are associated with depression at international level remains unknow. To address this gap, a harmonised protocol has been developed by the Global Burden of Disease Lifestyle And mental Disorder (GLAD) project and we aimed to contribute to the GLAD project by assessing associations between the 15 Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) dietary risk factors, and ultra processed foods (UPF) intakes-and recurrence of depressive symptoms (DepS) over 13 years of follow-up in the British Whitehall II study. METHODS: Analyses carried out on 4099 participants with no prior history of DepS (73.6% men, mean age = 61.2; SD = 5.9 years) and available assessment of dietary exposures derived from Food-Frequency questionnaire in 2002/04. Recurrent DepS was defined as having DepS in at least two of the four repeated measurements between 2002-2004 and 2015-2016, with DepS assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (score ≥ 16) or use of antidepressants. RESULTS: After adjusting for sex, age and socio-economic status, results of logistic regression showed that each increase of 1 standard deviation of fruit consumption (228 g) and fibre intake (7.4 g) was associated with 17% and 15% lower odds of recurrent DepS respectively (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73; 0.95, OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.75; 0.96). These associations persisted after additionally adjusting for socio-demographics, health behaviours and health related factors, including prevalent cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: Of the 16-GBD dietary factors, only fruit and fiber showed consistent associations with lower odds of recurrent depressive symptoms in the Whitehall II study.
Amino acids: Missing link in preeclampsia pathogenesis?
Gezer IS, Altinsoy H, Bastemur AG … +5 more , Dogan O, Tanacan A, Ocal FD, Sahin D, Yazihan N
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42133093 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine maternal dietary and serum amino acid (AA) levels as risk factors for preeclampsia (PE), aiming to identify the potential of specific AAs as biomarkers that could lead to nov...
PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine maternal dietary and serum amino acid (AA) levels as risk factors for preeclampsia (PE), aiming to identify the potential of specific AAs as biomarkers that could lead to novel dietary intervention strategies. METHODS: This prospective observational study included a total of 84 pregnant women (27 with PE and 57 controls). Maternal serum AA profiles were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and dietary AA intake was assessed via three-day dietary recalls, usual intake was estimated using the Multiple Source Method (MSM) to correct for within-person variability. The potential of AA as a risk factor was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and key mechanisms involved in AA metabolism were identified through pathway analysis. RESULTS: Dietary assessment uncovered a altered dietary amino acid pattern (AUC > 0.8), characterized by low intake of arginine, alanine, and glycine, glutamic acid, histidine, proline, serine, threonine, and tryptophan, alongside high total branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and leucine consumption. Although dietary total protein intake was lower in PE, a higher intake of animal protein was observed. Concurrently, serum glutamine, asparagine, phenylalanine, 3-methylhistidine, cysteine, threonine, valine, BCAA, EAA, and aromatic AAs (AUC > 0.8) in serum were found to be potential risk factors for PE. Our results establish that dietary AA patterns and serum AA changes are independent, key risk factors, together providing a more comprehensive etiological model of PE. CONCLUSION: This study showed that a dietary imbalance in specific AAs represents a modifiable risk factor for PE. This finding, alongside an altered serum AA profile, opens new avenues for targeted nutritional interventions in high-risk pregnancies.
Association of daily diet and incidence of head and neck cancer: a prospective cohort study of UK biobank participants.
Zhang Z, Rao Y, Wang X … +6 more , Qiu K, Luo Y, Cheng D, Song Y, Zhao Y, Ren J
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42105114 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: The association between daily diet and head and neck cancer (HNC) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically investigate the relationship between different types of diet and incident HNC. MET...
PURPOSE: The association between daily diet and head and neck cancer (HNC) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically investigate the relationship between different types of diet and incident HNC. METHODS: This cohort study analyzed UK Biobank (UKB) data (2006-2021, n = 480,577) using Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the associations between daily diet and incident HNC and its subtypes: laryngeal cancer (LC), oral cancer (OC), and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Subgroup analyses were further performed for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status. RESULTS: This large prospective study identified significant dietary associations with head and neck cancer (HNC) risk during 11.8 years of follow-up. Protective associations emerged for moderate dried fruit consumption (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.77-0.81), daily milk intake (> 299 mL/day, HR = 0.71), and regular coffee drinking (HR = 0.77-0.84). Conversely, elevated risks were observed with frequent red meat (≥ 4 times/week, HR = 1.20), non-oily fish (≥ twice/week, HR = 1.45), refined grains (≥ 3 bowls or slices/week, HR = 1.14), and habitual salt addition (HR = 1.21). Subtype-specific patterns include the protective effects of whole grains and vegetables against laryngeal cancer and reduced oral cancer risk with limited poultry consumption. Notable variations were observed in sex (sex-specific milk/oily fish effects), age (differential fruit/vitamin impacts), and BMI (heightened red meat risk in normal-weight individuals). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated significant associations between dietary patterns and HNC risk, identifying both protective and risk-enhancing food components. These results highlight the potential of dietary interventions in HNC prevention, with varying effects across cancer subtypes and demographic groups.
Legume consumption among Israeli adults: results from a national health and nutrition survey.
Ofir O, Dor C, Stark AH … +4 more , Dichtiar R, Shimony T, Bar-Zeev Y, Sinai T
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42101693 · Full text
PURPOSE: Substantial health and environmental benefits of legume consumption are reflected in dietary recommendations worldwide. However, data regarding legume intake are limited, particularly in Mediterranean countries....
PURPOSE: Substantial health and environmental benefits of legume consumption are reflected in dietary recommendations worldwide. However, data regarding legume intake are limited, particularly in Mediterranean countries. This study aimed to estimate and characterize legume consumption in the Israeli population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the Israeli Health and Nutrition Survey (2014-2016), a nationally representative sample of the population aged 18-64 years. A personal, face-to-face interview was conducted in the interviewee's home using a structured comprehensive questionnaire. Single 24 h dietary recalls (n = 2808) were evaluated to identify legume consumers, including quantity and type of legumes consumed. Consumers were defined as respondents who reported intake of any amount of legumes (beans, lentils, peas and soy) or legume-containing products. Demographics, health conditions, and lifestyle habits were compared between legume consumers and non-consumers. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with being a legume consumer. RESULTS: Legumes were consumed by 31.1% of respondents. Median (interquartile range) daily legume intake among consumers was 40.8g (20.4-74.0), equivalent to ~ 0.25 cup per day. Chickpeas were most commonly consumed (67.0%), followed by lentils (14.5%) and dry beans (12.2%). Legume consumers were less likely to have chronic comorbidities [OR 0.54 (95% CI 0.37-0.78)], and more likely to be male [OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.2-1.65)] and born in Israel [OR 1.24 (95% CI 1.01-1.51)]. CONCLUSIONS: Legume consumption among Israeli adults was substantially below current guidelines. Further studies evaluating legume consumption worldwide and specifically in Mediterranean countries are needed, alongside public health strategies promoting legume consumption as part of healthy, sustainable dietary patterns.
Probiotic modulation of gut microbiota with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 and Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8661 mitigates recurrent respiratory infections in children: a randomised-controlled trial.
Chen K, Ma W, Zhong J … +4 more , Yang P, He N, Jiang W, Liu C
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42090020 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) in children are associated with substantial morbidity and healthcare burden. Modulation of the gut microbiota via probiotics represents a potential adjunctive st...
BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) in children are associated with substantial morbidity and healthcare burden. Modulation of the gut microbiota via probiotics represents a potential adjunctive strategy to prevent recurrent infections. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 and Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8661 in children with RRTIs. METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 120 children with RRTIs received either daily probiotic supplementation (1 × 10 CFU/day; n = 60) or placebo (n = 60) for 3 months, with a 6-month follow-up. Primary outcome was clinical efficacy; secondary outcomes included gut microbiota composition (16 S rRNA sequencing) and plasma immune biomarkers (IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4). RESULTS: Probiotics significantly improved clinical efficacy compared with placebo in both per-protocol [82.1% vs. 64.2%, p = 0.033] and intention-to-treat analyses [76.7% vs. 56.7%, p = 0.020]. Children in the probiotic group experienced fewer and shorter respiratory episodes, including fever, cough, and pharyngeal congestion (all p < 0.05). Probiotic supplementation increased beneficial taxa (B. breve, L. plantarum, S. salivarius, W. cetiin) and reduced potentially pathogenic taxa (Anaerostipes, Vibrio). IgG and IgM levels remained stable or decreased in the probiotic group, contrasting with increases in the placebo group, indicating a balanced humoral response. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Daily administration of XLTG11 and CCFM8661 for three months is safe and improves clinical outcomes in children with RRTIs, reducing new respiratory episodes and modulating gut microbiota and immune function. These findings support strain-specific probiotics as a viable adjunctive therapy in pediatric respiratory infections.
Macronutrient intake in infancy and cardiometabolic health in preschool children from the EDEN mother-child cohort.
Marinho AR, Correia D, Tafflet M … +4 more , Heude B, Lopes C, Yuan WL, de Lauzon-Guillain B
Eur J Nutr · 2026 May · PMID 42090019 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Evidence indicates that early-life nutrition may influence later cardiometabolic health, but most studies examine individual outcomes rather than multiple markers. This study assessed the relationship between ma...
PURPOSE: Evidence indicates that early-life nutrition may influence later cardiometabolic health, but most studies examine individual outcomes rather than multiple markers. This study assessed the relationship between macronutrient intake at 12 months and cardiometabolic health at ages 5-6 years in preschool children from the EDEN mother-child cohort. METHODS: Macronutrient intake was derived from 3-day food records, standardized as SD. Body mass index z-scores (z-BMI) were calculated using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) references. Four sex-specific cardiometabolic phenotypes, based on anthropometric and biological data, were previously identified: "Higher adiposity, blood pressure (BP) and insulin resistance (IR)", "Higher IR and lower adiposity", "Higher triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c)", and "Higher BP and lower adiposity". Multivariable linear regressions examined associations between macronutrients and z-BMI (for 426 boys, 387 girls) and cardiometabolic phenotypes (256 boys, 221 girls). RESULTS: In girls, higher fat intake at 12 months was linked to higher z-BMI at 5-6 years (β = 0.07 [95%CI 0.00; 0.15]). In boys, greater mono- and disaccharide intake was associated with a higher score on the "Higher triglycerides, LDL-c, and lower HDL-c" pattern (β = 0.22 [0.04; 0.41]), while in girls, it was associated with the "Higher BP and lower adiposity" pattern (β = 0.18 [0.01; 0.35]). Other macronutrients showed no significant associations. CONCLUSION: In infancy, higher fat intake may contribute to a higher z-BMI in girls in early childhood, and higher sugar intake to less favourable cardiometabolic health.
Impact of a pro-inflammatory diet on upper gastrointestinal cancer risk: evidence from a population-based cohort in high-risk areas of China.
Ma S, Zhang Y, Fan Z … +5 more , He F, Li X, Chen R, Wang S, Wei W
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 42059989 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, particularly in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers. However, the contribution of dietary inflammation to UGI cancer risk in the Chinese population r...
PURPOSE: Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, particularly in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers. However, the contribution of dietary inflammation to UGI cancer risk in the Chinese population remains insufficiently explored. This study investigated the association between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and UGI cancer incidence in high-risk regions of China. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 43,153 participants enrolled between 2017 and 2019 in the National Cohort of Esophageal Cancer. The E-DII score, based on 22 dietary parameters, quantified dietary inflammation. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the relationship between E-DII scores and incident UGI cancer, with adjustments for age, sex, residence, lifestyle factors, medical history, and pathological diagnoses. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to address potential confounding effects. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 55 months, 527 participants developed UGI cancer. Higher E-DII scores were associated with increased UGI cancer risk (hazard ratio [HR] for highest vs. lowest quartile: 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-2.40; P for trend = 0.001). Significant associations were observed for esophageal cancer (HR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.03-3.18; P for trend = 0.050) and gastric cancer (HR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.16-2.47; P for trend = 0.009). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity tests confirmed the robustness of these findings. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the role of dietary inflammation in increasing UGI cancer risk and suggests that promoting anti-inflammatory dietary patterns may serve as an effective preventive measure in high-risk populations.
Mediating role of lipid metabolism on the association between egg consumption and frailty: results from a large-scale population study.
Qiu J, Yuchi Y, Zhang J … +9 more , Tang X, Wang X, Zhang H, Tian Z, Abbasian P, Liu X, Hou J, Wang F, Wang C
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053647 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Eggs as a high-protein food have important impacts on health, but the evidence regarding the relationship between egg consumption and frailty was scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the associati...
BACKGROUND: Eggs as a high-protein food have important impacts on health, but the evidence regarding the relationship between egg consumption and frailty was scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between egg consumption and frailty and to explore the potential mediating pathways. METHODS: A total of 23,838 participants were involved from the second wave of the Henan Rural cohort. Data on daily egg consumption frequency were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Frailty was measured by a frailty index consisting of 29 health deficits. Logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between egg consumption and frailty, and dose-response relationships were examined by restricted cubic splines. In addition, mediation effects of lipid metabolism were evaluated. RESULTS: Each SD increase in egg consumption was associated with a 17% (OR = 0.829, 95% CI: 0.807, 0.853) decrease of prefrailty and a 30% decrease (OR = 0.696, 95% CI: 0.648, 0.747) of frailty. The adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of daily one egg consumption for prefrailty and frailty were 0.577 (0.524,0.637) and 0.380 (0.312, 0.464), respectively. Additionally, egg consumption exhibited a nonlinear dose-response relationship with frailty. TG and HDL-C partially mediated 24.9% and 8.6% of the estimated association between egg intake and prefrailty risk. CONCLUSION: Moderate egg consumption was associated with a lower risk of frailty. TG and HDL-C may play partial mediating roles in the association. It suggests that egg consumption may be an effective strategy for preventing frailty. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 06 July, 2015. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375 .
The effects of micronutrients on the risk of upper gastrointestinal diseases: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.
Zhang X, Cheng Y, Ding R … +1 more , Gu J
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047863 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study investigates the causal relationship between 12 micronutrients and 6 upper gastrointestinal diseases using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. METHODS: Genome-wide association studies...
PURPOSE: This study investigates the causal relationship between 12 micronutrients and 6 upper gastrointestinal diseases using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. METHODS: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data for upper gastrointestinal diseases were obtained from FinnGen, and micronutrient data were sourced from the IEU OpenGWAS database. The primary analysis method was inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode methods. Radial MR and iterative leave-one-out analyses were performed to identify and remove outlier single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the stability and reliability of the results. RESULTS: The MR analysis of IVW results revealed significant causal associations between genetically predicted selenium (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15, P = 0.02) and vitamin B12 (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.43-0.83, P = 0.003) with chronic gastritis. After outlier removal, several previously non-significant associations became statistically significant: potassium with gastric ulcer (OR = 0.64, P = 0.030), zinc with gastric ulcer (OR = 1.12, P = 0.009), selenium with gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR = 1.05, P = 0.038), and vitamin B6 with gastric cancer (OR = 0.36, P = 0.018). All significant findings remained robust across sensitivity analyses, with no evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy after outlier removal. CONCLUSION: This MR study suggests that genetically predicted selenium levels may increase chronic gastritis risk, while vitamin B12 may be protective. Novel associations were identified for potassium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin B6 after outlier removal, providing new insights into the roles of micronutrients in upper gastrointestinal diseases.
Human milk and total milk intakes of mixed fed infants: a cross-sectional study of infants aged 7-10 months.
Daniels L, Heath AM, Taylor RW … +17 more , Bruckner B, Diana A, Zinzan-Dickie I, McLean NH, Cox AM, Jones EA, Katiforis I, Brown KJ, Rowan M, Casale M, Jupiterwala R, Harper M, Conlon CA, Beck KL, Te Morenga L, von Hurst PR, Haszard JJ
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047862 · Full text
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of data on the volume of human milk consumed by infants, particularly in later infancy (> 6 months). The objective was to estimate human milk intakes and total infant milk intake...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of data on the volume of human milk consumed by infants, particularly in later infancy (> 6 months). The objective was to estimate human milk intakes and total infant milk intakes (i.e. including infant formula), and describe associated correlates in New Zealand (NZ) infants aged 7–10 months. SUBJECTS/METHODS: First Foods NZ (FFNZ) was a cross-sectional study that investigated infant feeding in NZ (July 2020-February 2022). Human milk intakes were obtained using the dose-to-mother stable isotope technique in a subset of breastfeeding mother-infant dyads. Infant formula intake was determined from 24-h recalls. Sociodemographic information was collected through questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements made. Total infant milk intake referred to human milk and infant formula. RESULTS: The breastfeeding sub-study comprised 157 mother-infant dyads whose infant milk was fully or partially human milk, and 217 non-breastfeeding dyads. All infants consumed solid foods. The mean (SD) human milk intake was 785 (264) g/day, higher in those consuming only human milk and no infant formula (828 g/day), and decreasing with age. Total infant milk intakes were around 820 g/day, regardless of milk type. Factors associated with both human milk and total infant milk intakes were infant age, BMI z-score, and maternal education. Maternal BMI and demand feeding were also related to human milk intakes. There was no difference in milk intake by season. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insight into human milk intakes during late infancy in NZ infants (7–10 months), improving our ability to accurately assess nutritional intakes and nutrient adequacy of infants.
Metabolic and gut microbiota effects of ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone salts in a rat model of metabolic syndrome.
Pereira-Rodrigues A, Gonçalves A, Alves IN … +6 more , Mendes CS, Silva C, Campos J, Sampaio-Maia B, Falcão-Pires I, Araujo R
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047845 · Full text
PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a significant public health challenge, with emerging evidence pointing to gut microbiota as a key player in its development and progression. This study explored the comparati...
PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a significant public health challenge, with emerging evidence pointing to gut microbiota as a key player in its development and progression. This study explored the comparative effects of ketogenic diet (KD) and ketone salts supplementation (KS) on metabolic dysfunction and gut microbiota composition in ZSF1 obese rats, an established MetS rat model. METHODS: ZSF1 obese and lean rats were allocated to a control diet, a ketogenic diet or ketone salts supplementation. Metabolic assessments and 16 S rRNA V4 region sequencing (Illumina Miseq) were performed to evaluate glucose metabolism and gut microbiota composition. RESULTS: Our validation confirmed the MetS phenotype in this model, including increased body weight and adiposity, which were further amplified in rats receiving the ad libitum KD. Although both KD and KS effectively reduced fasting glucose levels, the KD, contrary to its typical weight-reducing effect in humans, significantly increased body weight and mesenteric fat, whereas KS did not alter adiposity relative to the control diet. Both interventions profoundly impacted the gut microbiota profile; KD reduced microbial richness and shifted community composition (including a lower Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio and higher Akkermansia levels). In contrast, the intervention with KS resulted in a gut microbiota profile resembling the control rats fed with the control diet. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the distinct effects of different ketogenic interventions (KD and KS) on host metabolism and gut microbiome, suggesting that while both can influence glucose control, KS may offer a more favorable metabolic and microbiota profile for managing MetS, without the strict dietary adherence required by KD.
Systematic review of diet quality scores including diet diversity in relation to major chronic diseases, obesity and mortality in healthy adults.
Nickel DV, Jannasch F, Schulze MB
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047829 · Full text
PURPOSE: Diet diversity is highlighted in dietary guidelines, yet diverse diets can vary substantially in quality. Understanding its role within overall diet quality is essential. This systematic review investigated diet...
PURPOSE: Diet diversity is highlighted in dietary guidelines, yet diverse diets can vary substantially in quality. Understanding its role within overall diet quality is essential. This systematic review investigated diet quality scores incorporating a distinct diet diversity component (DQDS) and their associations with type 2 diabetes (T2D), cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), obesity and all-cause mortality among healthy adults in high-income Western countries. METHODS: A systematic search of the NCBI Database up to October 2025 identified prospective studies quantifying dietary intake and assessing a priori defined DQDS in relation to the outcomes of interest. Study quality was evaluated using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklist. Due to substantial heterogeneity, findings were synthesised narratively. RESULTS: Sixteen reports were included, applying eight DQDS, including the original Healthy Eating Index, Diet Quality Index variants, national Dietary Guidelines Indices and the Healthy Food Diversity-Index. Considerable variability existed in the diet quality dimensions measured (adequacy, balance, moderation, diversity) and in how diet diversity was operationalised (simple food-group counts or evenness-based metrics). Associations between DQDS and all-cause mortality (n = 5), cancer (n = 4), CVD (n = 3), obesity (n = 4) and T2D (n = 3) were inconsistent, with studies reporting null or inverse relationships. CONCLUSION: Current evidence remains insufficient to determine whether diet quality scores that include diet diversity are linked to chronic disease outcomes. Heterogeneity in the conceptualisation of both diet quality and diet diversity limits comparability across studies, highlighting the need for conceptually aligned, multidimensional DQDS in future research to clarify these relationships.
Alcohol consumption and colorectal carcinogenesis: an exploration of the gut microbial pathway as a potential mediator.
Kværner AS, Birkeland E, Avershina E … +11 more , Botteri E, Bucher-Johannessen C, Knudsen MD, Hjartåker A, Page CM, Hov JR, Song M, Randel KR, Hoff G, Rounge TB, Berstad P
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 42012708 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption is one of the major risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship, particularly the role of gut microbes, are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To...
BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption is one of the major risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship, particularly the role of gut microbes, are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To study associations of alcohol intake with the gut microbiome and colorectal lesions among CRC screening participants. Of particular interest was the potential role of gut microbes in mediating the association between alcohol intake and colorectal lesions. METHODS: Screening participants with a positive faecal immunochemical test at ages 55–77 were eligible for the CRCbiome study. Alcohol intake was assessed using a validated, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and linked with shotgun metagenome based gut microbial profiles to study associations with screen-detected colorectal lesions. The potential role of alcohol-associated gut microbes in mediating the association between alcohol intake and colorectal lesions was examined using causal mediation analysis. RESULTS: Of 1468 participants with dietary data, 414 were diagnosed with advanced lesions. Alcohol intake was positively associated with advanced lesions in a dose-dependent manner (ptrend = 0.008), with odds ratio of 1.09 (95% confidence interval, 1.00, 1.19) per 10 g/day increase. Compared to non-consumers, those consuming alcohol were characterized by a distinct microbial profile, manifested as modest, but consistent, shifts in α- and β-diversity, and differentially abundant bacteria. A causal mediation analysis showed that 12% of the association between alcohol intake and advanced lesions was mediated by alcohol-associated gut bacteria. CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption was associated with a distinct microbial profile, which partly explained the association between alcohol intake and advanced colorectal lesions. Trial registration: The BCSN is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (National clinical trial (NCT) no. 01538550).
Healthful and unhealthful plant-based diets and site-specific cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Gil-Lespinard M, Iglesias-Vázquez L, Jakszyn P
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 42012703 · Full text
PURPOSE: Plant-based diets have been proposed as beneficial for cancer risk reduction, though their impact may depend on their nutritional quality. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational stud...
PURPOSE: Plant-based diets have been proposed as beneficial for cancer risk reduction, though their impact may depend on their nutritional quality. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to examine associations of overall Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI), Pro-Vegetarian Dietary Pattern (PVG), healthful PDI (hPDI), and unhealthful PDI (uPDI), with site-specific cancer risk. METHODS: PubMed and Web of Science were searched (June 2018 – December 2025) for cohort and case-control studies evaluating these associations. Meta-analyses were conducted for cohort studies, when ≥ 3 studies assessed the same cancer site and outcome, and if dietary indices were measured on a comparable scale. Pooled hazard ratios were calculated using random-effects models. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of individual studies on the pooled estimates. RESULTS: A total of 19 cohort studies and 13 case-control studies were reviewed. Meta-analysis showed that per 10-unit increase, overall and healthful plant-based dietary indices were associated with lower risks of breast cancer (8 and 6% lower risk, respectively), colorectal cancer (5% lower risk each), and liver cancer (17 and 23% lower risk, respectively). Higher uPDI was associated with 3% higher breast cancer risk. Evidence for other cancer sites was promising yet limited. Findings were generally consistent in direction, though some associations were moderately influenced by individual studies. CONCLUSION: Plant-based diets may reduce cancer risk, particularly when they prioritize healthful, minimally processed plant foods. Incorporating this distinction into clinical and policy recommendations may support practical, scalable strategies to reduce cancer burden.
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