Eur J Nutr [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Associations between chrono-nutrition and glucose metabolism across levels of glucose impairment: The Maastricht Study.
Chong MY, Koster A, de Galan BE … +5 more , van der Kallen CJH, van Greevenbroek MMJ, Bours MJL, Weijenberg MP, Eussen SJPM
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 42012540 · Full text
PURPOSE: Chrono-nutrition, defined as the timing, frequency, and regularity of food intake, may influence glucose metabolism and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through its interaction with circadian rhythms....
PURPOSE: Chrono-nutrition, defined as the timing, frequency, and regularity of food intake, may influence glucose metabolism and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through its interaction with circadian rhythms. We examined cross-sectional associations of meal frequency, irregularity, and length of the eating window with glucose metabolism in individuals with normal glucose metabolism, prediabetes, and T2DM. METHODS: Data were derived from 3,467 participants of a population-based cohort enriched with T2DM. Glucose metabolism status (normal, prediabetes, T2DM) was determined by oral glucose tolerance test and use of glucose-lowering medication. Fasting plasma glucose, 2 h post-load glucose, and HbA1c were measured in venous plasma. Chrono-nutrition was assessed by questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression estimated odds ratios for prediabetes and T2DM versus normal glucose metabolism. Linear regression models assessed associations with glycemic markers, stratified by glucose metabolism status. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors, including diet quality and caloric intake. RESULTS: A longer eating window was associated with higher odds of prediabetes (OR per hour: 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.13). In normal glucose metabolism (N = 2264), breakfast skipping showed higher fasting glucose (β: 0.09 mmol/L, 0.04–0.14), while in participants with prediabetes (N = 604) breakfast skipping was associated with lower 2 h post-load glucose (β: −0.50 mmol/L, −0.96, −0.05). In prediabetes, higher meal irregularity was associated with higher fasting glucose (β: 0.07, 0.03–0.12) and HbA1c (Q4 vs. Q1: β: 1.46 mmol/mol, 0.15–2.77). In T2DM (N = 599), higher meal irregularity was associated with elevated HbA1c levels (Q4 vs. Q1: β: 3.28, 0.19–6.37). CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential role of chrono-nutrition in glucose regulation, warranting further research for confirmation.
Curcuma longa improves endothelial glycocalyx integrity and redox-inflammatory pathways in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Viudes DR, Mateus AR, Silva CA … +1 more , do Carmo Franco M
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 41984245 · Full text
PURPOSE: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of Curcuma longa extract (CLE) supplementation on vascular, redox-inflammatory biomarkers, and neuropathy symptoms in adults with...
PURPOSE: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of Curcuma longa extract (CLE) supplementation on vascular, redox-inflammatory biomarkers, and neuropathy symptoms in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Seventy-six adults with T2DM were randomized to receive CLE (1200 mg/day) or placebo for three months. Plasma concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA), syndecan-1 (SDC1), syndecan-4 (SDC4), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), thioredoxin-1 (Trx1), thioredoxin-binding protein-2 (TBP2), sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), and the p65 subunit of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB p65) were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Neuropathy symptoms were assessed using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. After 3 months, CLE supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in neuropathy symptom score compared with placebo (P = 0.048). CLE significantly reduced markers of endothelial glycocalyx shedding, including SDC1 (66.5 vs. 113.0 ng/mL; P = 0.001), SDC4 (155.1 vs. 225.5 pg/mL; P = 0.040), and HA (259.8 vs. 371.7 ng/mL; P = 0.002), as well as MMP-2 (198.4 vs. 233.3 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and MMP-9 (1.2 vs. 2.0 ng/mL; P < 0.001). In parallel, CLE increased antioxidant/redox markers Trx1, SIRT1, and Nrf2 (all P < 0.05) and reduced TBP2 and NF-κB p65 levels (both P < 0.001), indicating coordinated modulation of vascular, redox, and inflammatory pathways. CONCLUSION: Short-term supplementation with CLE was associated with favorable modulation of vascular and redox-inflammatory biomarkers and improvement in neuropathy symptoms in adults with T2DM. These findings support the role of CLE as a promising bioactive nutritional supplement for the prevention and management of vascular and neuropathic complications associated with diabetes.
Chlorogenic acid alleviates endothelial cell inflammation and apoptosis of Kawasaki disease.
Peng Y, Guan Y, Zhang A … +10 more , Fu Y, Shen X, Yu B, Zhao S, Feng X, Wang Y, Zhang B, Ji W, Wu L, Guo X
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 41984219 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limiting artery vasculitis, especially involving the coronary arteries. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound with anti-inflammatory, anti-apopto...
PURPOSE: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limiting artery vasculitis, especially involving the coronary arteries. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidative pharmacological effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effects of CGA on KD and elucidate its mechanisms. METHODS: Candida albicans water-soluble fraction (CAWS) was used to establish a KD mouse model with coronary arteritis, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was employed to induce human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury of KD cell model, which was administrated in different ways and analyzed by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, Masson trichrome staining, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting immunohistochemistry staining, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and so on. RESULTS: In vivo results showed that CGA could exert protective effects on KD mice through alleviating inflammation and fibrosis around the coronary arteries, and relieving vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. In vitro studies confirmed that CGA could inhibit TNF-α induced inflammation of HUVECs, similar to the NF-κB inhibitor QNZ. Additionally, it can also inhibit TNF-α induced HUVEC apoptosis by increasing BCL-2 expression as well as reducing TUNEL positive cells, the rates of flow cytometric apoptotic cells, and BAX expression. These effects could be reversed by the AMPK inhibitor compound c (CC). Further mechanistic study based on bioinformatics analysis and western blotting revealed that CGA could protect against vascular inflammation and cell apoptosis of KD through regulating the AMPK/mTOR/NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSION: CGA may have the potentially protective effects on KD through inhibition endothelial cell inflammation and apoptosis, suggesting that CGA may serve as an adjuvant for KD therapy in the future.
Mediterranean dietary pattern analysis combining two nutritional assessment tools in children aged 3 to 6 years in five European countries.
Triebswetter A, Erhardt J, Totzauer M … +7 more , Luque V, Gispert-Llaurado M, Verduci E, Gruszfeld D, Xhonneux A, Koletzko B, Grote V
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 41984216 · Full text
PURPOSE: While the Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with numerous health benefits, in children there is limited information on effects of assessment methods, cross-country differences, and the tracking of MD adheren...
PURPOSE: While the Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with numerous health benefits, in children there is limited information on effects of assessment methods, cross-country differences, and the tracking of MD adherence over time. We aimed to compare and combine dietary assessment tools in young children, to provide an informative method for scoring adherence to MD, and to examine cross-country variations. METHODS: 3-Day Food Diaries (3-DFD) and Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) were assessed at 4 time points during the ages of 3 to 6 years across five European countries: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain. Information from both tools was used to calculate the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED), both independently and in combination. For the latter, country and time point differences were examined. Individual diet score variance per country across time points was determined using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The combined KIDMED score (3.76 ± 2.28) was higher compared to both the FFQ (3.31 ± 2.33) and the 3-DFD score (1.78 ± 2.45) across follow-ups. The combined KIDMED score was higher in Mediterranean countries (Italy 5.00 ± 1.60; Spain 4.54 ± 1.70) than non-Mediterranean countries (Belgium 1.96 ± 2.07; Germany 3.13 ± 2.01; Poland 1.65 ± 2.12) (p < 0.01), driven by more children from Mediterranean countries consuming fruits, vegetables, fish, pulses, and olive oil. The combined KIDMED score was rather stable over time. Intra-individual consistency over time was poor to moderate (Germany: 0.620, Belgium: 0.604, Italy: 0.429, Poland: 0.564, and Spain: 0.493). CONCLUSIONS: Combining FFQ and 3-DFD led to a higher KIDMED score reflecting more detected details of frequencies in food consumption. MD adherence was poor to moderate and remained stable over time in early childhood, suggesting that dietary patterns established at a young age are likely to persist. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00338689.
The swift study: dietary profiles of night shift workers characterised by overweight and obesity.
Clark AB, Coates AM, Davis C … +5 more , Leung GKW, Phoi YY, Rogers M, Davis R, Bonham MP
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 41961344 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore dietary profiles of a night shift working population with overweight/obesity and the impact of different shift work schedules (rotating vs. fixed night) on their diet. METHODS: Partic...
PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore dietary profiles of a night shift working population with overweight/obesity and the impact of different shift work schedules (rotating vs. fixed night) on their diet. METHODS: Participants from a randomised controlled trial (SWIFt trial) provided 7-day food diaries at study enrolment. Mean energy intakes (EI), and mean percentage of EI as nutrients (macronutrients, saturated fat, added sugar, alcohol) grams of fibre and milligrams of sodium, were assessed against recommendations for Australian adults. Energy intake was assessed for underreporting. Regression analyses were performed on nutrient intakes whilst controlling for individual and lifestyle factors (age, gender, BMI, physical activity, shift work exposure, occupation and shift schedule). RESULTS: The diet of night shift workers (N = 245, aged 46.8 ± 9.8 (mean ± SD) years and 53% female) was characterised as high in fat, saturated fat and sodium, while low in carbohydrate and fibre compared with recommendations, regardless of shift work schedule. However, the mean 24 h EI of rotating shift workers was higher than fixed night workers (9329 ± 2915 kJ/day vs. 8025 ± 2383 kJ/day, p< 0.001), even after assessing plausible EI reporters only (n = 130) (10968 ± 2411 kJ/day vs. 9307 ± 2070 kJ/day, p< 0.001). Furthermore, those performing rotating schedules presented with higher sodium and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: These findings support the evidence of shift work being associated with poorer dietary profiles, which likely contribute towards worsened metabolic health amongst night shift workers. Dietary strategies that target problematic eating habits and address unique challenges of working shift schedules are needed to mitigate metabolic health risk in shift working populations.
Vitamin D and calcium status in HYDRIA, Greece: associations with dietary and supplemental sources.
Vourli G, Peppa E, Papatesta EM … +2 more , Kritikou M, Trichopoulou A
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 41961194 · Full text
PURPOSE: Serum vitamin D and calcium levels have been associated with health outcomes, while their deficiency, especially of vitamin D, is prevalent worldwide. This study aimed to estimate serum vitamin D and calcium lev...
PURPOSE: Serum vitamin D and calcium levels have been associated with health outcomes, while their deficiency, especially of vitamin D, is prevalent worldwide. This study aimed to estimate serum vitamin D and calcium levels in Greece, describe dietary intakes and supplement use, and identify characteristics associated with their status. METHODS: The study included 685 HYDRIA participants aged ≥ 54 years. Associations of blood levels with demographic, lifestyle, and nutritional data were assessed via linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Mean serum vitamin D was 22.7 ng/ml (95% CI 21.6–23.8), significantly lower in women than men (21.1 vs. 24.6 ng/ml; p = 0.008). Vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) affected 54.3% of women and 39.4% of men. Dietary intake was similar between sexes, though supplement use was higher among women (11.6% vs. 1.2%; p = 0.002). Vitamin D levels were significantly associated with supplement use (8.31 ng/ml; p < 0.001), high education (2.96; p = 0.016), sex (− 4.04 ng/ml in women; p = 0.001) and age, with levels rising at younger ages and plateauing or declining at older ages. For calcium, women had lower intake than men (1053.1 vs. 860.4 mg/day; p < 0.001), and were the only group using calcium supplements (12.1%). Only calcium adjusted for a 2000 kcal diet was significantly associated with calcium blood levels (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: These findings highlight a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, particularly among women. Apart from sex, supplement use was the only significant predictor of higher vitamin D levels, suggesting diet alone may be insufficient. Calcium dietary intake was lower in women. These results emphasize the importance of targeted interventions, such as personalized guidance and awareness campaigns. Further research is needed to quantify the impact of vitamin D and calcium deficiency on human health.
Impact of brewer's spent grain (BSG) and bio-transformed BSG biscuits on metabolic and gut health in adults with metabolic impairments: a randomized controlled trial.
Xu Y, Leong ZN, Huang Y … +3 more , Ma Z, Chan GCT, Kim JE
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Apr · PMID 41940993 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Brewers’ spent grain (BSG), a fiber-rich by-product of the brewing industry, has high nutritional value. Fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus further enhances its composition by increasing soluble dietary f...
BACKGROUND: Brewers’ spent grain (BSG), a fiber-rich by-product of the brewing industry, has high nutritional value. Fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus further enhances its composition by increasing soluble dietary fiber and releasing antioxidants, potentially conferring superior metabolic regulatory and prebiotic effects. This study evaluated the effect of long-term consumption of BSG or fermented BSG-containing biscuits on metabolic and gut health in Singapore adults with metabolic impairments. METHODS: Thirty-one metabolically impaired subjects were randomized to consume 90 g/day of control biscuits (Control, n = 11), 30% wheat flour substituted autoclaved BSG- (ABSG, n = 10) or fermented BSG-containing biscuits (FBSG, n = 10) for 12 weeks. Anthropometric, blood pressure, dietary intake, glycemic-related biomarkers, lipid-lipoprotein profile, gut microbiome and metabolites were assessed at baseline and after intervention. RESULTS: Total dietary fiber intake increased in both ABSG and FBSG groups (Pinteraction < 0.001). FBSG group showed significant increase of HDL-C after intervention (P = 0.024). BSG-containing biscuits consumption decreased fecal lithocholic acid concentration (Pinteraction = 0.02), which may lower intestinal cytotoxicity. Although α- and β-diversity were unchanged, favorable taxonomic shifts were observed. In the ABSG group, Romboutsia, a genus associated with metabolic dysfunction, decreased while the FBSG group showed increased abundances of the short-chain fatty acids-producing Roseburia and Clostridium scindens, alongside a reduction in Dorea. asa No significant difference was observed in other indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of BSG-containing biscuits enhances daily dietary fiber intake and modulates gut metabolites and microbiome composition to support gut microbiome homeostasis. Additionally, fermented BSG provides further metabolic benefits, particularly in regulating lipid-lipoprotein metabolism. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05529108.
Chinese-specific dietary patterns and cognitive function in Chinese older adults: a cross-lagged panel network analysis.
Wang Z, Wang S
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41915251 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The relationship between diet and cognitive function is likely multifaceted and may involve bidirectional influences. However, most studies on this topic have been cross-sectional and are therefore limited in...
BACKGROUND: The relationship between diet and cognitive function is likely multifaceted and may involve bidirectional influences. However, most studies on this topic have been cross-sectional and are therefore limited in their ability to establish temporal relationships. Therefore, this study aimed to employ cross-lagged panel network analysis to clarify the bidirectional temporal dynamics between culturally specific dietary patterns and cognitive function in a longitudinal cohort of Chinese older adults. METHODS: A total of 2440 participants were recruited from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey spanning from 2008 to 2018. Chinese-specific dietary patterns were categorized as milk–egg–sugar pattern, carnivorous pattern, healthy pattern and northeastern pattern. Cognitive function was divided into five domains including orientation, registration, attention and calculation, recall, and language by using the validated Chinese version of the Mini Mental State Examination. Four contemporaneous networks and three cross-lagged panel networks were estimated based on dietary patterns and cognitive function, with age, sex, educational level, and household income included as covariates in all analyses to control for potential confounding effects. All data analyses were conducted in R version 4.3.1. RESULTS: The contemporaneous networks showed that the strongest bridge edge between Chinese-specific dietary patterns and cognitive function was “CGF3: attention and calculation”—“PTN2: carnivorous pattern” in the T1 (r = 0.082), T2 (r = 0.085), and T3 (r = 0.077) networks and “CGF3: attention and calculation”—“PTN3: healthy pattern” in the T4 (r = 0.123) network. Cross-lagged panel networks revealed that the strongest bridge edges connecting the Chinese-specific dietary patterns and cognitive function were “PTN3: healthy pattern” → “CGF3: attention and calculation” (bridge weight = 0.101) in the T1 → T2 network, “PTN2: carnivorous pattern” → “CGF3: attention and calculation” (bridge weight = 0.113) in the T2 → T3 network, and “CGF4: recall” → “PTN1: milk–egg–sugar pattern” (bridge weight = − 0.096) in the T3 → T4 network. CONCLUSION: Attention and calculation, the central cognitive domain identified, showed strong bidirectional links with diet over time. These findings support life stage-specific dietary interventions to maintain cognitive health.
Iodine deficiency in the first pregnancy trimester and intelligence in adolescence.
Keestra SM, Königs M, van Welie N … +5 more , Dreyer K, Oosterlaan J, Mijatovic V, Roseboom TJ, Finken MJJ
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41915209 · Full text
PURPOSE: Although iodine deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to poorer childhood neurodevelopment, it is unclear whether these associations persist into adolescence. We examined whether first trimester iodine is...
PURPOSE: Although iodine deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to poorer childhood neurodevelopment, it is unclear whether these associations persist into adolescence. We examined whether first trimester iodine is associated with children's intelligence at age 15. METHODS: We used data from 1,211 mother–child pairs in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), with first-trimester urinary iodine-to-creatinine ratios during pregnancy and intelligence quotient (IQ) scores of the child at age 15, as assessed from the Two-Subtest Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. Associations were tested using linear regression adjusted for confounders. Iodine status was analysed both continuously and categorically using cut-offs (< 50, 50–99, 100–149, 150–249, > 250 µg/g). We tested interactions with child sex and maternal thyroid function. RESULTS: Lower iodine was associated with lower Vocabulary T-scores (β = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.09–1.35), but not Matrix Reasoning or Full-Scale IQ. Children of mothers with severe iodine deficiency (< 50 µg/g) had 4.25 points lower Vocabulary T-scores (Cohen’s d = –0.40) and 3.3 points lower Full-Scale IQ (Cohen’s d = –0.27) than those with sufficient iodine status (150–250 µg/g). The associations did not differ by sex. Iodine status in the first trimester was not correlated with maternal thyroid function. However, in iodine-deficient pregnancies (< 150 µg/g), higher maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was associated with higher Vocabulary and Full-Scale IQ scores, a pattern not seen in iodine-sufficient pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Iodine deficiency in early pregnancy is associated with lower adolescent verbal intelligence and, in severe iodine deficiency, also with reduced full-scale intelligence. The observed association between higher maternal TSH and higher verbal and full-scale intelligence in iodine-deficient pregnancies suggests a possible compensatory role of the maternal thyroid axis. Adequate periconceptional iodine intake remains important and merits further study.
Sex-specific links between dietary fat intake, dementia risk, and cognitive decline in central obesity: a UK biobank cohort study.
Xu J, Chen L, Chen Z … +8 more , Song Y, Fu Z, Ao X, Sun X, Chen Y, Wei W, Sun C, Tian Z
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41915182 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To clarify the unclear association of dietary fat intake with dementia and cognitive impairment in individuals with central obesity, this study explored links of proportion of energy from dietary fat (PEFDF) to...
PURPOSE: To clarify the unclear association of dietary fat intake with dementia and cognitive impairment in individuals with central obesity, this study explored links of proportion of energy from dietary fat (PEFDF) to dementia risk and cognitive decline. METHODS: A total of 128,160 participants from the UK Biobank were included in this study. Cox regression, logistics regression and univariate linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between PEFDF and the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Among women, PEFDF showed a potential nonlinear association with all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease incidence, whereas no significant association was observed in men. Notably, obese women with a moderately high percentage of energy from fat (MHF) had the lowest risk of all-cause dementia (HR, 0.746; 95% CI, 0.590-0.943) and Alzheimer's disease incidence (HR, 0.606; 95% CI, 0.419-0.876). Furthermore, MHF was associated with higher fluid intelligence test (FIT) scores (β, 0.213; 95% CI, 0.185-0.241), numerical memory test (NMT) scores (β, 0.091; 95% CI, 0.062-0.119), and prospective memory test (PMT) scores (OR, 1.187; 95% CI, 1.145-1.231) in women; and MHF was significantly associated with higher FIT (β, 0.198; 95% CI, 0.169-0.228) scores and PMT scores (OR, 1.114; 95% CI, 1.073-1.156) in man. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that MHF is positively associated with neurocognitive function in central obesity, especially in women. These results underscore the potential of scientifically effective dietary intervention in mitigating risk of dementias such as Alzheimer's disease.
Does inflammation moderate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms? Results of an interventional study in children and adolescents.
Schlarbaum L, Jankovic N, Bühlmeier J … +11 more , Hohoff E, Dankers R, Engler H, Hirtz R, Zwanziger D, Grasemann C, Peters T, Hinney A, Antel J, Föcker M, Libuda L
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41915083 · Full text
PURPOSE: Studies in adults suggest antidepressant effects of vitamin D, possibly via anti-inflammatory pathways, but evidence in youth is lacking. In the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) in depressed, vitamin D-de...
PURPOSE: Studies in adults suggest antidepressant effects of vitamin D, possibly via anti-inflammatory pathways, but evidence in youth is lacking. In the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) in depressed, vitamin D-deficient adolescents (DRKS00009758), symptom reduction emerged in only one of three outcomes. This secondary analysis investigates whether baseline inflammatory status modifies the effect of vitamin D. METHODS: Data from 92 participants (78.3% ♀) of the RCT conducted at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry were analyzed. All participants were deficient in vitamin D [25(OH)D ≤ 30 nmol/l] and at least mild depressive symptoms [Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) ≥ 14]. Participants received 2640 IU/day of vitamin D or placebo for 28 days plus treatment as usual. Depressive symptoms were assessed via BDI-II and the Diagnostic System for Mental Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence (DISYPS), self- and proxy-rated. C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured at baseline as an inflammatory marker. Its impact on treatment effects was examined via interaction analyses and stratification by CRP status. RESULTS: In 81.5% of the participants, CRP levels were below the threshold for low-grade inflammation (3 mg/L). No consistent interaction between treatment and baseline CRP was observed across outcomes. A nominal interaction for self-rated DISYPS at the 3 mg/L threshold lost significance after correction for multiple testing. Stratified analyses using different CRP thresholds revealed no significant subgroup effects. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings do not support the hypothesis that the antidepressant effects of vitamin D supplementation in children and adolescents depend on baseline CRP status—at least within a sample characterized by minimal baseline inflammation.
Sociodemographic, pregnancy-related and lifestyle determinants of adherence to Italian dietary guidelines during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of Italian pregnant women.
Callegaro S, Dall'Asta A, Kaihura CT … +2 more , Scazzina F, Rosi A
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41894004 · Full text
PURPOSE: The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, as well as dietary habits, of Italian pregnant women. It also investigates their adherence to Italian foo...
PURPOSE: The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, as well as dietary habits, of Italian pregnant women. It also investigates their adherence to Italian food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs), and factors associated with high adherence. METHODS: An online survey was administered to a representative sample of Italian pregnant women. Data collection included sociodemographic, pregnancy-related and lifestyle information, such as use of supplements and physical activity (IPAQ-SF). Dietary habits and adherence to Italian dietary guidelines were assessed using the Adherence to Italian Dietary Guidelines Indicator (AIDGI). Non-parametric tests and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 589 participants completed the survey. More than half of the sample showed low adherence to the Italian dietary guidelines with an overall median AIDGI score of 18.0 (IQR: 15.0–23.0). Among the factors associated with high adherence, higher maternal age and the use of folic acid supplements during pregnancy were positively related. Conversely, having had a previous pregnancy, along with other sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, was negatively associated with adherence. CONCLUSION: Determinants of high adherence to Italian FBDGs in pregnant women include maternal age, employment status, parity, smoking habits and supplement use. These findings may inform national policies and public health interventions addressing sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants to improve maternal nutrition and the well-being of both the mother and child.
Weizmannia coagulans BC99 improved intestinal motility and chronic constipation through regulating gut microbiota: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Wu Y, Zhou Y, Fan Q … +4 more , Gao Y, Fang S, Sun Y, Gu S
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41886091 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aims to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of an 8-week Weizmannia coagulans BC99 intervention in alleviating constipation in adults. METHODS...
OBJECTIVE: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aims to evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of an 8-week Weizmannia coagulans BC99 intervention in alleviating constipation in adults. METHODS: Constipated adults received BC99 (1 × 1010CFU/day) or a placebo for 8 weeks. Assessment included Completely Spontaneous Bowel Movements (CSBM), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Bristol Fecal Characteristics Scale (BSFS) scores, colonic transit time (CTT), gastrointestinal regulatory factors (ET-1, VIP, GAS, CGRP, SS), gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content in feces. This research was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which received approval from the Ethics Commission of the First Afffliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology at 26 April 2024 (Ethical approval number 2024- 03-K0054), Clinical trial registration number is NCT06637397 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ , accessed on 26 April 2024). The present study was conducted from July 2024 to October 2024 at the College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, in accordance with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS: BC99 significantly improved bowel movement frequency, stool characteristics, and psychological well-being. It reduced CTT and modulated levels of gastrointestinal peptides. Gut microbiota analysis revealed increased relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and decreased Escherichia-Shigella. BC99 also elevated fecal SCFAs levels (acetic, butyric, isovaleric acid) and inferred the key KEGG pathways associated with fatty acid metabolism and pathogen invasion. CONCLUSION: W. coagulans BC99 effectively alleviates constipation by enhancing intestinal motility, regulating gut microbiota, and increasing SCFA production, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic probiotic.
Stigmasterol upregulates Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling through SYVN1 to alleviate osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.
Zhu F, Li W, Cao Y … +4 more , Dai B, Wu H, Zhu Y, Liu H
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41886086 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects and mechanism of action of the main component, Stigmasterol (STG), of Liuwei Dihuang Pill (LP) on postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS: Cell viab...
BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects and mechanism of action of the main component, Stigmasterol (STG), of Liuwei Dihuang Pill (LP) on postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS: Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay. Osteoblast differentiation was evaluated through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, ALP staining, and Alizarin Red S staining. Expression levels were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence was used to observe protein colocalization. Protein–protein interactions were detected using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and Molecular docking and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assays. Additionally, an OVX rat model was established through ovariectomy surgery. Utilizing micro-computed tomography (CT), we scanned and analyzed the fine structure of the rat femoral trabeculae across various groups, thereby gathering pertinent data. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the levels of E2, key bone immune regulatory markers, bone turnover markers, and pro-inflammatory factor in serum. RESULTS: The main components of LP, including Quercetin, Kaempferol, β-sitosterol, and STG, significantly promote osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts, with STG having the most significant effect. Moreover, STG also notably enhances the upregulation of the Akt/mTOR/ p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) signaling pathway. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the potential ubiquitin ligase synoviolin 1 (SYVN1) for Akt, which was experimentally validated. Molecular docking between STG and SYVN1 verified their binding activity, and STG downregulated the expression of SYVN1. Overexpression of SYVN1 reversed the promoting effect of STG on osteoblast differentiation and activation of the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Furthermore, STG upregulated uterine index and serum levels of E2, OPG, BALP, PINP, OCN, and CTX-1, and downregulated levels of RANKL, IL-6, and TNF-α in OVX rats. Meanwhile, STG promoted the expression of OCN and inhibited the expression of NFATc1 and cathepsin-K in the femurs of OVX rats. Additionally, STG activated the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway in the femurs of OVX rats. However, overexpressing SYVN1 reversed the effects of STG on OVX rats. CONCLUSION: STG upregulated the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling via SYVN1 to alleviate osteoporosis in OVX rats. Therefore, this study will provide new insights into discovering novel approaches for treating PMOP.
Characterization of food portion size in children from 6 months to 8 years of age: a descriptive analysis.
Hernandez-Perez I, Escribano J, Grote V … +8 more , Koletzko B, Gispert-Llauradó M, Alcázar M, Verduci E, Gruszfeld D, Etienne L, Luque V, CHOP Study Group
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41874751 · Full text
PURPOSE: Diet during early infancy, as well as dietary patterns during childhood and parental feeding styles influence children’s eating behaviours and long-term health. While extensive data exist on the timing of comple...
PURPOSE: Diet during early infancy, as well as dietary patterns during childhood and parental feeding styles influence children’s eating behaviours and long-term health. While extensive data exist on the timing of complementary feeding introduction and recommended food frequencies during infancy and childhood, data on portion sizes during this period remains limited in Europe, despite their clear relevance for evaluating dietary patterns and supporting evidence-based guidance. This longitudinal study, secondary to the European Childhood Obesity Project (EU CHOP), aims to describe portion sizes consumed by infants and children aged 6 months to 8 years across five European countries. METHODS: Dietary intake was recorded using 3-day food diaries and analysed by trained personnel following standardized procedures at multiple infant and childhood ages (6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 96 months). Portions sizes were calculated for 33 food groups and expressed as percentiles in the overall sample and stratified by country. RESULTS: A total of 1018 3-day food records were available at 6 months, with sample size gradually declining over the 11 follow-up time points to 400 records at 8 years. The results revealed a wide variation in portion sizes across food groups, ages and countries. CONCLUSION: Food portion sizes vary across food groups, age and countries. These findings provide reference percentiles representing typical portion sizes when foods are consumed. The data can support guidance provided to parents by healthcare professionals (pediatricians, nurses, and dietitian-nutritionists) and assist public health authorities in defining appropriate portion sizes and mitigating risks associated with both overeating and undereating, while respecting children’s hunger and satiety cues. These results also have practical applications in school meal planning and dietary assessment methodologies in research. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00394-026-03943-7.
Associations of the updated nutrient profiling system underlying the Nutri-Score label with weight gain, overweight and obesity risk in the French NutriNet-Santé cohort.
Sarda B, Manneville F, Férard C … +8 more , Ducrot P, Galan P, Hercberg S, Deschasaux-Tanguy M, Srour B, Fezeu LK, Touvier M, Julia C
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41874736 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The nutrient profile underlying the Nutri-Score, a front-of-pack nutrition label, was updated in 2022-2023 by an ad-hoc scientific committee. Validation studies regarding the predictive ability of nu...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The nutrient profile underlying the Nutri-Score, a front-of-pack nutrition label, was updated in 2022-2023 by an ad-hoc scientific committee. Validation studies regarding the predictive ability of nutrient profile are a key step in supporting evidence-based policies. This prospective study aimed to investigate the associations between the 2023 Nutri-Score nutrient profile model (2023 NS-NPM) with weight change, risk of overweight and obesity, and to compare it with the 2015 Nutri-Score nutrient profile (2015 NS-NPM). METHODS: Participants from the NutriNet-Santé cohort were recruited among French adults (N = 75 775). An individual dietary index was computed to characterize the nutritional quality of diets based on at least three 24 h-dietary records, as the average nutritional score of each food consumed weighted by their caloric contribution. Proportional Cox hazard models were used to assess the association with the indices, obesity and overweight onset and mixed models for weight gain over time. RESULTS: We found that a higher 2023 NS-NPM dietary index (DI) (i.e. a less healthy diet) was associated with a significant higher increase in BMI over time (+ 0.24% [0.22-0.26] BMI/ year in Tertile 3 vs. Tertile 1) and an increased risk of overweight (HR=1,33 [1.24 - 1.43]) or obesity onset (HR=1.29 [1.14-1.45]). The comparison between the 2023 NS-NPM DI and the 2015 NS-NPM DI did not detect a statistically significant difference in terms of predictive ability. CONCLUSION: These results contribute to the validation of the 2023 Nutri-Score nutrient profile, supporting its use as public health tool for chronic disease prevention.
Association of apolipoprotein A1 (rs 5069) genotyping with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance as a metabolic and genetic difference in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Usama N, Ahmed AE, Mekheimer S … +3 more , Elhadidy K, Awadein M, Farid M
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41874699 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are significant issues for public health, frequently occurring together with vitamin D deficiency and metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether th...
BACKGROUND: Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are significant issues for public health, frequently occurring together with vitamin D deficiency and metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether the APOA1 single nucleotide polymorphism rs5069 is associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) deficiency and insulin-resistance–related traits in Egyptian adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 350 Egyptian adults (age 35–55 years) were grouped as: (1) obese non-diabetic (n = 100), (2) obese with T2DM (n = 100), (3) non-obese with T2DM (BMI < 30, n = 50), and (4) controls (BMI < 30 and 25[OH]D ≥ 20 ng/mL, n = 100). We measured BMI, 25(OH)D, FBS, HbA1c, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and lipid profile. APOA1 rs5069 genotypes were determined by TaqMan assays. Group comparisons, Pearson correlation, and multivariate logistic regression (three models with incremental adjustments) were performed. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D < 20 ng/mL) was common in obese and diabetic groups (p < 0.001). Obese participants with T2DM had the worst metabolic profile (higher FBS, HbA1c, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR; dyslipidemia). The AA genotype and A allele of rs5069 were more frequent in obesity and T2DM than controls (genotype p = 0.005–0.011; allele p = 0.002–0.005). In obese groups, higher 25(OH)D levels were independently associated with lower odds of carrying GA and AA genotypes versus GG after adjustment for glycemic and lipid variables (models 2 and 3). No significant genotype–vitamin D association was observed in non-obese T2DM. CONCLUSION: APOA1 rs5069 (AA genotype) is associated with obesity and T2DM in this Egyptian cohort. Higher 25(OH)D was associated with reduced odds of GA/AA genotypes in obese participants, suggesting an interaction between vitamin D status and APOA1-related genetic susceptibility. Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed.
Mortality risk in relation to diet quality assessed by the 2023 nutri-score nutrient profiling model: a prospective analysis.
Khoury N, Fernández-Cao JC, Mohammadifard N … +15 more , Martinez-González MÁ, Corella D, Fitó M, Estruch R, Tojal-Sierra L, Gracias EG, Fiol M, Lapetra J, Serra-Majem L, Pintó X, Vázquez-Ruiz Z, Sorli JV, Schröder H, Salas-Salvadó J, Babio N
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41874696 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The updated Nutri-Score nutrient profiling model (uNS-NPM), revised in 2023, aims to better align with dietary guidelines and improve health outcomes prediction. However, evidence assessing its validity and a...
BACKGROUND: The updated Nutri-Score nutrient profiling model (uNS-NPM), revised in 2023, aims to better align with dietary guidelines and improve health outcomes prediction. However, evidence assessing its validity and applicability remains limited, particularly in Spanish populations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prospective association between diet quality, assessed using the uNS-NPM dietary index (DI), and the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in older adults at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS: A prospective analysis within the PREDIMED cohort, with 7,212 participants aged 55-80 years at high cardiovascular risk was conducted. Diet was assessed by validated food frequency questionnaires, and the uNS-NPM DI was computed to quantify overall dietary quality. Time-dependent Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause, cardiovascular, cancer, and other-cause mortality across quintiles of the average cumulative uNS-NPM DI, adjusting for relevant confounders. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 6 years, 425 deaths occurred (103 cardiovascular, 169 cancers, 153 other causes). Participants in the highest quintile of the uNS-NPM DI (reflecting poorer diet quality) had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.19-2.28; p-trend = 0.007) and a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.29-7.95; p-trend = 0.002) compared to those participants in the lowest quintile. Participants in the highest quintile of uNS-NPM DI had also an increased risk of death from other causes (HR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.11-3.07), although the trend was not statistically significant p-trend = 169). For cancer mortality, no significant association was observed (HR for highest vs. lowest quintile: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.69-1.92 p-trend = 0.695). CONCLUSIONS: In this Mediterranean cohort of older adults at high cardiovascular risk, lower dietary quality, assessed with the uNS-NPM DI, was prospectively associated with higher risks of all-cause, cardiovascular, and other-cause mortality. These findings support the uNS-NPM DI as a valuable tool for diet quality assessment.
Trajectories of appetitive traits and dietary patterns from childhood to adolescence: findings from the Generation XXI birth cohort.
Costa A, Severo M, Pereira R … +3 more , Hetherington MM, Lopes C, Oliveira A
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41874644 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study examined the association between appetitive trait profiles and dietary patterns from childhood to early adolescence. METHODS: We included 5040 participants from the Generation XXI cohort (Porto, Portu...
PURPOSE: This study examined the association between appetitive trait profiles and dietary patterns from childhood to early adolescence. METHODS: We included 5040 participants from the Generation XXI cohort (Porto, Portugal). Appetitive traits were assessed at ages 7, 10, and 13 with the validated Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Six trajectory-based profiles were previously identified: “Smallest appetite”, “Small appetite but increasing”, “Small to moderate appetite”, “Moderate appetite”, “Increasing appetite”, and “Avid appetite”. A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire collected dietary intake at ages 4, 7, 10, and 13. Latent class analyses identified dietary patterns at each age and dietary patterns trajectories across childhood. Multinomial logistic regression assessed the association of appetitive trait profiles and dietary patterns. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns (“Healthier”, “Lower Consumption”, and “Energy-Dense Foods” (EDF)) and two trajectories from 4 to 13 years (“Predominantly Healthier” and “Predominantly EDF”) were identified. Compared with the “Moderate appetite” profile, children in the “Small appetite but increasing” (characterised by food avoidance and high Desire to Drink) had 54% higher odds of the “Predominantly EDF” trajectory. Conversely, individuals in the “Small to moderate appetite” profile (lowest food approach and emotional eating, suggestive of better appetite regulation) and “Avid appetite” profile were less likely to follow the “Predominantly EDF” trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: Appetitive trait profiles are linked to dietary patterns from childhood to adolescence. Food avoidance combined with a high Desire to Drink predicted less healthy diets, while stronger food approach traits and a profile indicative of improved appetite regulation were linked to healthier dietary choices.
Association between low fruit consumption and elevated lung cancer mortality: epidemiological evidence from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Dai K, Zhang Y, He D … +4 more , Deng Y, He M, Liang H, Wang W
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41848893 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Large-scale, standardized epidemiological evidence on the relationship between low fruit consumption and lung cancer mortality remains limited. Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, we aimed to...
PURPOSE: Large-scale, standardized epidemiological evidence on the relationship between low fruit consumption and lung cancer mortality remains limited. Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, we aimed to systematically describe the association between low fruit consumption and global lung cancer mortality, and its spatiotemporal distribution patterns. METHODS: Age-standardized exposure value (ASEV) was used to assess low fruit consumption levels, and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was used to evaluate lung cancer mortality burden. Through multi-source data integration and standardized processing, we assessed low fruit intake exposure and attributable lung cancer mortality across different regions, socioeconomic development levels, and demographic characteristics from 2000 to 2021, analyzing temporal trends using estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). RESULTS: The global ASEV for low fruit consumption was 40.90% (95% UI: 34.85%, 42.89%) in 2021, showing a decrease from 2000 (EAPC = − 0.35%, 95% CI − 0.39%, − 0.31%). The attributable lung cancer ASMR decreased from 1.13 (95% UI: 0.59, 1.63) to 0.77 (95% UI: 0.40, 1.13) per 100,000 during 2000–2021, while absolute deaths increased to 66.05 (95% UI: 34.01, 97.03) thousand. Regional analysis revealed South Asia as the only region with an increasing ASMR trend (EAPC = + 0.39%, 95% CI 0.24%, 0.53%), while Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania showed the most significant improvement (EAPC = − 3.20%, 95% CI − 3.42%, − 2.98%). A clear socioeconomic gradient existed, with High-middle SDI regions showing the fastest ASMR improvement (EAPC = − 3.26%, 95% CI − 3.53%, − 2.99%) and Low SDI regions showing minimal improvement (EAPC = − 0.10%, 95% CI − 0.13%, − 0.08%); Middle SDI regions bore the highest mortality burden with 20.85 (95% UI: 10.80, 30.84) thousand deaths in 2021. Demographically, male ASMR of 1.12 (95% UI: 0.58, 1.63) per 100,000 was approximately 2.4 times higher than female ASMR of 0.47 (95% UI: 0.24, 0.70) per 100,000, with more pronounced improvement (male EAPC = − 2.22%, 95% CI − 2.33%, − 2.11%; female EAPC = − 1.26%, 95% CI − 1.45%, − 1.08%). Age-stratified analysis showed higher ASMR in the ≥ 55 years age group (3.81 per 100,000, 95% UI: 1.97, 5.60) but faster decline in the 25–55 years age group (EAPC = − 2.27%, 95% CI − 2.51%, − 2.03%), particularly among younger populations in High-middle SDI regions. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first systematic, large-scale epidemiological analysis of the estimated association between low fruit consumption and global lung cancer mortality. While acknowledging the observational nature of these findings and the primary role of smoking in lung cancer etiology, it contributes to the understanding of how dietary factors may relate to global lung cancer mortality burden.
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