Eur J Nutr [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
From plate to pillow, and vice versa: diet-sleep dynamics in free-living adults with obesity.
Martin-Olmedo JJ, Clavero-Jimeno A, Migueles JH … +4 more , Camacho-Cardenosa A, Piernas C, Ruiz JR, Jurado-Fasoli L
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41697374 · Full text
PURPOSE: To investigate whether dinner dietary intake is associated with subsequent sleep parameters, and whether sleep parameters are associated with subsequent breakfast dietary intake. METHODS: This study used baselin...
PURPOSE: To investigate whether dinner dietary intake is associated with subsequent sleep parameters, and whether sleep parameters are associated with subsequent breakfast dietary intake. METHODS: This study used baseline data from the TEMPUS randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants were adults with obesity (30–40 kg/m2; 25–65 years). Sleep parameters were objectively assessed via accelerometry over 14 days. During this time, dietary intake at dinner and breakfast was assessed using one to two 24 h recalls. Dinner dietary intake was matched with sleep registries of the corresponding night, and sleep parameters with the following breakfast dietary intake. Spearman correlation analyses and linear mixed models were used to assess these relationships. RESULTS: A total of 146 participants (47% women) with valid data were included in the analysis (178 dinner-sleep, and 180 sleep-breakfast observations). Higher carbohydrate, sugars, blue fish, and olive oil intake at dinner were associated with improved subsequent sleep parameters (all p ≤ 0.042). In contrast, greater energy, fat, cholesterol, protein, alcohol, red meat, and french fries were associated with poorer subsequent sleep parameters (all p ≤ 0.048). Longer sleep duration was associated with enhanced dietary quality at subsequent breakfast (all p ≤ 0.034). Moreover, later sleep offset was independently associated with higher energy intake, and greater wake after sleep onset was independently associated with higher carbohydrate intake at subsequent breakfast in multivariate analyses (all p ≤ 0.008). CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the complex relationship between sleep and diet in free-living settings that may inform future interventions for obesity management.
Immune modulation in response to coffee intake: a pilot study.
Bleffgen M, Lang R, Rogal K … +2 more , Somoza V, Skurk T
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41697370 · Full text
PURPOSE: Coffee consumption has been associated with various health benefits; however, the underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. In particular, the acute effects of coffee on circulating cytokines an...
PURPOSE: Coffee consumption has been associated with various health benefits; however, the underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. In particular, the acute effects of coffee on circulating cytokines and the specific role of caffeine compared with the whole coffee matrix are still insufficiently characterised in humans. To our knowledge, no previous human study has directly compared immune modulation by coffee versus caffeine alone. We therefore aimed to elucidate the effect of a usual caffeine dose of 130 mg on postprandial cytokine secretion, and whether responses differ between coffee and pure caffeine. METHODS: In a randomized pilot trial, ten healthy volunteers completed three test days receiving either a coffee brew, an aqueous caffeine solution (each 130 mg caffeine/100 ml), or water. Quantitative analysis of caffeine was performed with UHPLC-MS/MS, immune markers were measured by a multiplex immunoassay. RESULTS: Our study demonstrates that both caffeine and coffee consumption influence the immune homeostasis, albeit with notable differences on cytokine secretion. Pure caffeine induced a higher anti-inflammatory response, as evidenced by the significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17 A, IL-12p70, and IL-2 compared to coffee and water. The integrated response on the immune system is exemplified by the decrease of the pro-inflammatory IFN-γ (0.649 ± 0.068) and the anti-inflammatory IL-10 (0.478 ± 0.043), vs. baseline, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings provide novel in vivo evidence that usual coffee and caffeine acutely affects cytokine responses differently in healthy individuals. In conclusion, our study addresses an important gap regarding the immune properties of coffee and suggests that bioactive compounds beyond caffeine contribute substantially to its immunological effects.
The impact of dietary interventions on liver health biomarkers in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Stern UM, Wagenpfeil G, Weber SN … +3 more , Alqahtani SA, Michel M, Schattenberg JM
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41689666 · Full text
PURPOSE: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its subtype, metabolic dysfunction-associated alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD), represent the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worl...
PURPOSE: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its subtype, metabolic dysfunction-associated alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD), represent the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide, closely linked to unhealthy dietary patterns. Lifestyle modification is considered first-line treatment, yet the comparative effectiveness of different dietary approaches remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary interventions on liver health biomarkers in individuals with MASLD and MetALD. METHODS: A systematic database search was conducted for randomised controlled trials (RCTs, 2018–2024). Eligible trials assessed dietary interventions in MASLD or MetALD and reported changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver stiffness, MRI-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), and controlled attenuation parameter. Data were synthesized using weighted mean differences with fixed or random effects models. RESULTS: Sixty-eight full-text articles were included in the systematic review, of which 24 met the criteria for the meta-analysis. Since no eligible studies were identified in individuals with MetALD, the findings apply solely to people with MASLD. In studies on fasting interventions ALT (MD = − 12.47 IU/L; 95% CI − 22.03,− 2.92; p = 0.01; n = 6) and liver stiffness (MD = − 0.24 kPa; 95% CI − 0.46, − 0.03; p = 0.03; n = 4) were reduced compared to controls. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) resulted in significant differences in ALT (MD = − 2.93 IU/L; 95% CI − 5.68, − 0.19; p = 0.04; n = 9), liver stiffness (MD = − 0.35 kPa; 95% CI − 0.54, − 0.16; p = 0.00; n = 4), and MRI-PDFF (MD = − 1.37%; 95% CI − 2.33, − 0.40; p = 0.01; n = 5). LCHF/ketogenic diets (n = 6) and Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation (n = 4) did not significantly alter ALT. CONCLUSION: Fasting and MedDiet showed positive effects on surrogate biomarkers in MASLD. Larger, long-term isocaloric RCTs with standardized outcome reporting are warranted to confirm these findings.
Plasma amino acids in early pregnancy and fetal growth trajectories across pregnancy: findings from a multi-racial U.S. pregnancy cohort.
Guivarch C, Wu J, Lu R … +11 more , Grewal J, Yu G, Li LJ, Yang J, Pang WW, Wang DD, Weir NL, Tsai MY, Albert PS, Chen Z, Zhang C
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41689644 · Full text
PURPOSE: Amino acids (AA) are crucial for fetal growth, but their associations are not fully understood. We examined the associations of plasma AAs in early pregnancy with fetal growth trajectories across pregnancy. METH...
PURPOSE: Amino acids (AA) are crucial for fetal growth, but their associations are not fully understood. We examined the associations of plasma AAs in early pregnancy with fetal growth trajectories across pregnancy. METHODS: 321 women from a GDM nested case-control study from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Fetal Growth Studies were enrolled at 10-14 gestational weeks. Ultrasound schedules were randomly assigned to estimate weekly fetal growth. Plasma concentrations of aromatic AAs, branched-chain AAs, and AAs involved in one-carbon metabolism were measured using blood samples collected at enrollment. We modeled fetal growth trajectories across AA tertiles with cubic splines using linear mixed models, accounting for major confounders; global differences were tested using log-likelihood ratio tests. Then, we performed weekly comparisons of fetal growth parameters between AA tertiles to evaluate the trajectory of fetal growth parameters. RESULTS: In global tests, AAs were associated with fetal growth trajectories. In weekly comparisons, for instance, women with the highest tertile of methionine had lower estimated fetal weight (EFW) and biparietal diameter (BPD) in mid-pregnancy (EFW at week 27: 992.65 vs. 1050.72 g, p-value = 0.04, overall linear p-trend = 0.03; BPD at week 22: 51.90 vs. 54.06 mm, p-value < 0.0001, overall linear p-trend = 0.007), compared to the lowest tertile. The highest tertile of tyrosine was associated with lower BPD in mid-to-late pregnancy (BPD at week 20: 46.38 vs. 48.26 mm, p-value = 0.005, at week 31: 77.08 vs. 79.52 mm, p-value = 0.005, overall linear p-trend = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, plasma AAs were inversely related to subsequent fetal growth trajectories, with differences observed by AAs and gestational age. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00912132.
Dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins and risk of pancreatic cancer: the Japan public health center-based prospective study.
Uesugi S, Kito K, Yamaji T … +4 more , Iwasaki M, Inoue M, Tsugane S, Sawada N
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41689639 · Full text
PURPOSE: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of pancreatic cancer, but the association between antioxidant vitamin intake and risk of pancreatic cancer in Asian populations has not been establish. MET...
PURPOSE: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of pancreatic cancer, but the association between antioxidant vitamin intake and risk of pancreatic cancer in Asian populations has not been establish. METHODS: We investigated the association between antioxidant vitamin intake and pancreatic cancer risk in a Japanese population based on the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study, a cohort study including 89,693 Japanese men and women aged 45–74 years. Baseline data on medical history, lifestyle factors, and antioxidant vitamin intake were collected via validated questionnaires. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for quartiles of antioxidant vitamin intake. RESULTS: During an average follow-up was 15.1 years, we documented 581 incident pancreatic cancers. Our results did not indicate a potential inverse association between antioxidant vitamin intake and risk of pancreatic cancer. When stratified by body mass index, the inverse association between dietary retinol, β-carotene, α-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin intake and risk of pancreatic cancer indicated a statistically significant association among those with BMI ≥ 25 but not BMI < 25. Corresponding multivariable hazard ratios for the highest versus lowest quartiles among BMI ≥ 25 were intake of retinol activity equivalents of 0.52 (0.31–0.86; P = 0.01), β-carotene equivalent of 0.53 (0.31–0.91; P = 0.01), α-carotene of 0.57 (0.33–0.97; P = 0.05), and β-cryptoxanthin of 0.56 (0.33–0.95; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggests that intake of antioxidant vitamins, particularly retinol activity equivalents and β-carotene equivalents, may play a role in the prevention of pancreatic cancer in overweight subjects.
Higher dietary choline and betaine intakes are associated with lower likelihood of central nervous system demyelination in Australian women.
Bailey P, Mazahery H, Black LJ … +5 more , Daly A, Probst Y, van der Mei I, Dunlop E, Ausimmune/AusLong Investigators
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41689636 · Full text
PURPOSE: Choline and betaine may be neuroprotective; however, the role of choline and betaine obtained from food in multiple sclerosis (MS) onset in humans is unclear. We aimed to test associations between intake of chol...
PURPOSE: Choline and betaine may be neuroprotective; however, the role of choline and betaine obtained from food in multiple sclerosis (MS) onset in humans is unclear. We aimed to test associations between intake of choline and betaine from food and likelihood of a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination (FCD). METHODS: We used data from the Ausimmune Study, a large, multi-centre case–control study conducted in four latitudinally diverse regions of Australia. Choline and betaine intakes were derived from food composition data sourced globally and dietary intake data collected using a self-administered, semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. We used the alternate Mediterranean diet score (aMED) as a measure of diet quality. We applied logistic regression with full propensity score matching (264 cases, 474 controls) and stratified by sex (females: 205 cases/368 controls; males 59 cases/106 controls) to test associations between dietary choline and betaine intakes (per 50 mg/day) and likelihood of an FCD. Models were adjusted for age, region, education, smoking history, history of infectious mononucleosis, deseasonalised serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, total energy intake, dietary misreporting and aMED, and bootstrapped (500 replicates). RESULTS: Independent of an overall healthy diet, higher choline intake (OR = 0.91; 95%CI 0.84–1.00; p = 0.05) and higher combined choline + betaine intake (OR = 0.92; 95%CI 0.86–0.99; p = 0.03) were significantly associated with lower likelihood of FCD in females only. We found no statistically significant associations in males (small sample). CONCLUSION: Given the potential beneficial role of choline and betaine in MS, investigation of associations and any diet- or sex-specific influences in other populations is warranted.
Protective effect of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption on the physical component of health-related quality of life in aging adults.
Conde-Pipó J, Molina-Garcia C, Arense J … +3 more , Jiménez-García JD, Martínez-Amat A, Mariscal-Arcas M
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677993 · Full text
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) is associated with numerous health benefits, particularly in preventing chronic diseases and promoting well-being. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a key c...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) is associated with numerous health benefits, particularly in preventing chronic diseases and promoting well-being. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a key component of the MedDiet, is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyphenols, and antioxidants, which may help slow age-related physical decline. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a crucial indicator of population health, and with an aging population, it is essential to assess whether dietary habits influence the physical component (Comp-P) of HRQoL. This study examines this association in older adults to provide evidence supporting dietary recommendations for healthy aging. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 physically active adults aged 41–80, all adhering to the MedDiet. Data were collected using the MEDAS, RAPA-Q, and SF-36 questionnaires. Participants were classified into two groups based on EVOO consumption: MT4 (≥ 4 tablespoons/day) and LT4 (< 4 tablespoons/day). RESULTS: In the LT4 group, Comp-P and age showed a moderate, negative, and significant correlation (r = − 0.349, p = 0.009), while in the MT4 group, the correlation was weak, negative, and not significant (r = − 0.007, p = 0.431). Similarly, bodily pain correlated negatively with age in the LT4 group (r = − 0.328, p = 0.014), whereas no significant association was found in the MT4 group (r = 0.102, p = 0.234). CONCLUSIONS: Among adults aged 41–80, higher EVOO consumption (≥ 4 tablespoons/day) may have a protective effect, mitigating the impact of aging on self-perceived physical health and functional capacity.
Associations of maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy with neonatal obesity among Han and Tibetan maternal-child pairs: results from a prospective birth cohort in Tibetan area.
Tang X, Zhang B, Jian W … +8 more , Zhou K, Wang P, Zhaxi J, Wang X, Wang L, Wen X, Zhao L, Peng W
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677983 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Neonatal obesity has profound effects across the entire life. Although maternal diet and environmental exposures such as high altitude are potential influencing factors, the modulating effects of the unique h...
BACKGROUND: Neonatal obesity has profound effects across the entire life. Although maternal diet and environmental exposures such as high altitude are potential influencing factors, the modulating effects of the unique high-altitude environment and distinct ethnic dietary patterns prevalent on the Tibetan Plateau remain unexplored. To investigate this association, we utilized Compositional Data Analysis (CoDA) to model dietary patterns. AIM: This study aims to investigate the associations between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and neonatal obesity, examining the potential modification effect by altitude and ethnicity. Furthermore, we apply the CoDA approach to quantify the impact of dietary redistribution on obesity risk. The findings are expected to inform targeted dietary interventions and public health strategies for high-risk populations. METHOD: A birth cohort study encompassed 1173 pregnant women from the Tibetan Plateau. Dietary intake frequency during pregnancy was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was used to identify the dietary patterns. Linear and logistic regression was used to examine the associations between dietary patterns and neonatal obesity. CoDA was employed to assess the association between redistribution of diet servings during pregnancy and altered risk of high ponderal index (HPI). RESULTS: Of the total 1173 mother-neonate pairs, 40.3% were Tibetans, 22.7% resided in ultra-high altitude areas, and 4.9% of neonates had obesity. Four dietary patterns were identified. A higher protein-fruit pattern score was significantly associated with a lower risk of HPI (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.93). We also observed a modification effect by altitude (P = 0.026). Stratified by living altitude, this association was statistically significant only in Tibetans who lived in ultra-high altitude areas (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.20-0.69, P = 0.003). Composition of data analysis showed that when fruit consumption increased, estimated Δβ of HPI and z-score of ponderal index (PI) decreased. CONCLUSION: Higher adherence to protein-fruit dietary patterns during pregnancy was negatively associated with neonatal obesity in the Tibetans living in ultra-high altitude areas. Encouraging healthy diets during pregnancy, particularly through initiatives such as increasing fruit intake, may help to prevent neonatal obesity.
Higher dietary diversity is inversely associated with antenatal anxiety, depression, and their comorbid symptoms: a population-based cross-sectional study in Southwest China.
Dong H, Zhang S, Ding Y … +7 more , Su D, Sun H, Guo Y, Yang M, Yu C, Rui L, Zeng G
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677953 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between dietary diversity and the prevalence of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and co-morbid anxiety and depressive symptoms (CADs) among Chinese pregnant women. METHODS: Di...
OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between dietary diversity and the prevalence of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and co-morbid anxiety and depressive symptoms (CADs) among Chinese pregnant women. METHODS: Dietary diversity score (DDS) was developed according on the Chinese dietary guidelines and assessed by the consumption of nine food groups. The total score ranged from 0 to 9 and could divide into three levels: insufficient (score of 1–5), moderate (score of 6–7), and adequate (score of 8–9). Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, respectively. Multiple logistic regression was applied to investigate the association of DDS with anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and CADs. RESULTS: This study included 11,684 participants in the final analysis. The prevalence of reported antenatal anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and CADs were 2.8%, 9.9%, and 4.3%, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, the adequate DDS group showed lower odds of pure anxiety than the insufficient DDS group (OR = 0.43, 95%CI:0.29, 0.65). Both the moderate and adequate DDS groups had lower odds of pure depression (OR = 0.73, 95%CI:0.62, 0.86 and OR = 0.66, 95%CI:0.54, 0.82, respectively) and CADs (OR = 0.62, 95%CI:0.50,0.77 and OR = 0.42, 95%CI:0.30, 0.59, respectively) compared to the insufficient DDS group. CONCLUSION: This study provided observational evidence that higher dietary diversity was associated with a lower prevalence of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and CADs among pregnant women in China. This finding highlights the potential of dietary diversity as a modifiable factor for promoting perinatal mental health.
Dietary phosphorus intake and its association with metabolic syndrome and its components: a cross-sectional analysis of the UK national diet and nutrition survey (NDNS).
Khoury RE, Obeid O, Malla M … +2 more , Avery A, Welham S
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677930 · Full text
PURPOSE: Phosphorus plays a critical role in carbohydrate and energy metabolism, yet its relationship with metabolic health outcomes remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary...
PURPOSE: Phosphorus plays a critical role in carbohydrate and energy metabolism, yet its relationship with metabolic health outcomes remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary phosphorus intake and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as individual MetS components, using data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. METHODS: Data from adults aged 19 years and older were analyzed. Dietary phosphorus intake was assessed using four-day food diaries. MetS was defined based on established clinical criteria. Logistic regression models evaluated the association between phosphorus intake quintiles and MetS occurrence, adjusting for demographic, anthropometric, dietary, and lifestyle factors. Associations between phosphorus intake and individual MetS components were examined based on both total phosphorus intake and phosphorus density. RESULTS: Individuals in the highest phosphorus intake quintile (> 1509 mg/day) exhibited a 56% lower risk of MetS compared to those in the lowest quintile (OR = 0.44, p = 0.0004). Higher phosphorus intake was associated with a decrease of 10.4 mg/dl in triglyceride levels from quintile 1 to quintile 5 (mean ± SD: 118.6 ± 87.5 vs. 108.2 ± 61.7, p = 0.002), as well as a 2.1 mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure (mean ± SD: 74.6 ± 11.1 vs. 72.5 ± 10.7, p = 0.001). Additionally, modest variations in HDL cholesterol and waist circumference were observed. CONCLUSION: Higher dietary phosphorus intake was associated with a lower risk of MetS and beneficial differences in certain MetS components, supporting a potential protective role of phosphorus in metabolic health.
Temporal patterns of total, animal and plant protein intakes of Australian adults: a latent class analysis.
Arini HRB, McNaughton SA, Tan SY … +1 more , Leech RM
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677918 · Full text
PURPOSE: Few studies have investigated temporal protein patterns of different protein sources. This study aimed to describe temporal patterns of total, plant, and animal protein intake of Australian adults and examine th...
PURPOSE: Few studies have investigated temporal protein patterns of different protein sources. This study aimed to describe temporal patterns of total, plant, and animal protein intake of Australian adults and examine their associations with sociodemographic and eating pattern characteristics. METHODS: Total, animal, and plant protein intakes were estimated from the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011–12 dietary recall data (≥ 19 years; n = 6741). Separate latent class models were used to determine the patterns based on hourly intakes of total, animal, and plant protein. Pearson’s Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance were used to examine the differences in characteristics between latent classes of the patterns. RESULTS: Three sex-stratified temporal patterns of total (T1-T3), animal (A1-A3), and plant (P1-P3) proteins were identified. Class 1 was characterised by higher probabilities of consuming protein at the typical Australian mealtime (e.g., at 18:00 h for A1), while Class 2 had higher probabilities of intake 1-h later (e.g., 19:00 h for A2). Class 3 was characterised by variable timing (e.g., 17:00 h or 20:00 h for A3). Adults in Class T1, A1, and P1 were older than other classes, whereas those in Class T2 and A2 had higher incomes (all p < 0.001). Adults in Class T3, A3, and P3 were younger and had lower total, animal, and plant protein intakes from meals (all p < 0.001) but higher intakes from snacks (p < 0.001), except for women’s animal protein. CONCLUSION: This study identified three temporal protein patterns, which varied by age, income, meal frequency, and protein intake at meals and snacks. Future research needs to examine whether these patterns have different health implications.
Impact simulation of portion guidance on commonly consumed packaged food to reduce discretionary energy and public health sensitive nutrients in the United States, United Kingdom, and France.
Tsai LT, Debras C, Scuccimarra E … +4 more , Vieux F, Maillot M, Mainardi F, Eldridge AL
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677913 · Full text
PURPOSE: Excessive consumption of discretionary food is a global concern linked to obesity prevalence. Providing reference portion sizes and reducing portion size is a potential solution to tackle this issue. The aim of...
PURPOSE: Excessive consumption of discretionary food is a global concern linked to obesity prevalence. Providing reference portion sizes and reducing portion size is a potential solution to tackle this issue. The aim of this study was to model the impact of systematically established portion values, without changing food choices, on discretionary energy and public health-sensitive nutrients using nationally representative datasets from the United States (NHANES), United Kingdom (NDNS), and France (INCA3). METHODS: Diet modeling was used to adjust large portions to reference portion sizes per eating occasion for selected discretionary, energy-dense food categories. Nutritional quality and adherence to World Health Organization guidelines were compared before and after substitutions. Linear regressions assessed whether reductions in daily total energy and added/free sugar were associated with participants’ demographic and anthropometric characteristics. RESULTS: After substitution, daily energy from discretionary foods decreased by 5.4 percentage points for NHANES (mean ± SD from 20.7 ± 13.1 to 15.3 ± 9.8%, p < 0.001), 3.1 percentage points for NDNS (from 15.6 ± 9.8 to 12.5 ± 8.0%, p < 0.001), and 3.6 percentage points for INCA3 (from 16.1 ± 10.7 to 12.5 ± 8.1%, p < 0.001) data. Following portion guidance improved diet quality, reduced public health-sensitive nutrients (e.g., saturated fat, added sugar, sodium) and enhanced adherence to WHO guidelines. Older age was associated with smaller reductions in discretionary energy and added/free sugar among participants in UK and France. CONCLUSION: Adjusting portion sizes without altering food preferences may decrease energy and public health-sensitive nutrients intakes. Further research is needed to explore these findings in other regions and their potential health outcomes.
Recovery with vistula tart cherries following a marathon.
Squires E, Walshe IH, Keenan A … +6 more , Hayman O, Lomax I, Wood J, Brownson-Smith R, McHugh MP, Howatson G
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677899 · Full text
PURPOSE: Long-distance running induces marked increases in inflammation and muscle damage. Tart cherries (TC) have become a popular nutritional strategy for exercise recovery, particularly for attenuation of markers asso...
PURPOSE: Long-distance running induces marked increases in inflammation and muscle damage. Tart cherries (TC) have become a popular nutritional strategy for exercise recovery, particularly for attenuation of markers associated with muscle damage and inflammation. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a yet-to-be-explored cultivar (Vistula) of TC on recovery following a marathon. METHODS: Thirty-five recreationally trained marathon runners (mean ± SD age, stature, and mass were 40 ± 10 years old, 176.5 ± 10.2 cm, and 78.8 ± 13.8 kg, respectively) completed an undulating marathon course. Participants were randomised to receive either freeze-dried TC powder or calorie-matched placebo (17 TC, 18 placebo) for 7 days, with the marathon on day 5 of supplementation. Maximal voluntary contractions (MVC), counter movement jumps (CMJ), muscle soreness (DOMS), plasma creatine kinase (CK), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed before, immediately after, and at 24- and 48-h post marathon. RESULTS: There were significant changes over time for all variables (p < 0.001) indicating muscle damage. There were no treatment or interaction effects for MVC, CMJ, DOMS, and CK (p > 0.2). However, there was a treatment effect for hs-CRP, where the TC group experienced lower levels of hs-CRP (mean ± SD during recovery: TC 7.9 ± 3.5, placebo 12.5 ± 5.1 mg/L, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The marathon caused changes in muscle damage and inflammation indices. Despite no functional or soreness differences, the TC group showed lower inflammation levels, offering insights into Vistula tart cherries for recovery.
High-protein diets increase microbiota associated p-cresol production in the colon and reduce gut barrier function in a sex-dependent manner.
James D, Batool M, Poveda C … +10 more , Hayirli Z, Callow C, Abbas M, Linden B, Gibson J, Griffin BA, Elmore JS, Walton GE, Robertson MD, Lewis MC
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677896 · Full text
Protein is an essential nutrient, but the detrimental effects of excess dietary protein on gut health are often overlooked. Protein fermentation by colonic microbiota may impair barrier function by increasing toxic metab...
Protein is an essential nutrient, but the detrimental effects of excess dietary protein on gut health are often overlooked. Protein fermentation by colonic microbiota may impair barrier function by increasing toxic metabolite production. We previously identified sex-by-protein interactions affecting the microbiota and its metabolites in vitro. Do sex-by-protein interactions in colonic protein fermentation lead to a sexually dimorphic response in gut barrier function in vivo? We hypothesised that high-protein diets would elicit sex-specific effects on microbiota and barrier function. Twenty sibling-matched male (n = 10) and female (n = 10) piglets were fed high-protein (28%) or standard-protein (SP; 18%) diets for four weeks. Bacterial populations were assessed using 16 S rRNA sequencing, urinary metabolites via SPME/GC-MS, and gut barrier proteins via quantitative fluorescence immunohistology. High-protein diets increased bacteria-derived p-cresol and reduced E-cadherin and CD45 + protein expression without altering microbiota composition. Females on high-protein diets had greater abundances of Staphylococcus and Chryseobacterium, elevated p-cresol, and reduced ZO-1 expression compared to males. High-protein diets appear to reduce barrier function and increase protein-associated toxic metabolite production in sexually dimorphic manners in pigs. If these results are replicated in humans, it indicates requirements for sex-specific nutritional strategies.
Comparative peptidomic profile and bioactivities of Pacific oyster, Mytilus edulis, Argopecten irradians, Meretrix meretrix L. after simulated gastrointestinal digestion.
Liu K, Li N, Fan J … +7 more , He S, Tang W, Cao Y, Shen L, Sun S, Du C, Du C
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677889 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: This study investigated the basic composition, in vitro digestibility, biological activities, and potential bioactive peptides of Pacific oyster (PO), Mytilus edulis (ME), Argopecten irradians (AIS), and Meretri...
PURPOSE: This study investigated the basic composition, in vitro digestibility, biological activities, and potential bioactive peptides of Pacific oyster (PO), Mytilus edulis (ME), Argopecten irradians (AIS), and Meretrix meretrix L. (MML) after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGD). METHODS: SGD products were prepared using the INFOGEST 2.0 model, and their nutritional properties and biological activities were analyzed. A comprehensive peptidomic profiling of the digested samples was conducted using nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC MS/MS) analysis. RESULTS: All four shellfish exhibited a nutritional profile characterized by high protein and low-fat content. The digestibility of shellfish increased progressively, while the average molecular weight (MW) of the hydrolysates gradually decreased during SGD, with the intestinal hydrolysates showing the highest overall digestibility. Biological activity analysis demonstrated that intestinal digestion products from all four species exhibited notable ABTS radical scavenging activity and α-glucosidase inhibition activity, with PO and ME exhibiting the strongest effects. A total of 349, 99, 314 and 105peptides were identified from the digestion products of PO, ME, AIS, and MML, respectively. Among these, PO and AIS showed the highest sequence similarity, sharing 69 identical peptides. By contrast, MML displayed distinct peptidomic characteristics, including a higher proportion of large MW peptides. CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive peptide catalog of shellfish digestion products and offers new insights into the biological activities of shellfish-derived peptides, supporting their potential as functional food resources.
Associations of six dietary patterns with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with depression in the UK biobank: a prospective cohort study.
Yao H, Zhang C, Xiao S
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677888 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Diet plays an important role in the development of depression, but the impact of dietary patterns on mortality in individuals with depression is unclear. This study investigated the associations of six establish...
PURPOSE: Diet plays an important role in the development of depression, but the impact of dietary patterns on mortality in individuals with depression is unclear. This study investigated the associations of six established dietary patterns with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in adults with depression. METHODS: We included 5,368 UK Biobank participants (enrolled 2006-2010) with depression and had at least one 24-h dietary assessment after their diagnosis. Dietary data were collected at baseline and through four online follow-ups. Six dietary scores were derived: dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH), dietary inflammatory index (DII), healthy eating food index-2019 (HEFI-2019), healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), mediterranean diet score (MDS), and World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) food score. Cox proportional hazards regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of approximately 4,370 days, 342 participants died, including 57 from CVD and 159 from cancer. Each quintile increment in DASH (HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.85-0.99]), HEFI-2019 (HR, 0.90 [0.83-0.97]), and MDS (HR, 0.90 [0.83-0.97]) was associated with lower all-cause mortality. HEFI-2019 was also significantly associated with lower CVD mortality (HR, 0.79 [0.64-0.96]). Reduced mortality was largely driven by higher fish intake and lower consumption of non-whole grains, fats, free sugars, and sodium. CONCLUSION: Among individuals with depression, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HEFI-2019 was linked to reduced mortality. These findings suggest that healthy dietary patterns may play a supportive role in the long-term health of individuals with depression.
Associations between dietary intake of live microorganisms, fermented foods, and the fermented food microbial richness index and cardiometabolic health in Swiss adults: a cross-sectional analysis.
Pertziger E, Hillesheim E, Bonny O … +4 more , Wagner CA, Vergères G, Bochud M, Burton-Pimentel KJ
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677886 · Full text
PURPOSE: Dietary microorganisms are hypothesised to contribute to human health by modulating gut microbiota composition and function. However, evidence of their impact on health at the level of the overall diet is still...
PURPOSE: Dietary microorganisms are hypothesised to contribute to human health by modulating gut microbiota composition and function. However, evidence of their impact on health at the level of the overall diet is still emerging. In this study, we examined associations of dietary intake of live microorganisms, fermented foods, and microbial richness with cardiometabolic health. METHODS: We analysed baseline data of 440 adults (≥ 18 years) in the Swiss Kidney Stone Cohort (SKSC). Foods were categorised by live microorganism levels (low, < 104 CFU/g; medium [Med], 104–10⁷ CFU/g; or high [Hi], > 10⁷ CFU/g) and fermented food descriptors, including core microbiota. A microbial richness index was calculated based on the number of unique microbial species in fermented foods. Adjusted linear regression models assessed associations of MedHi food (> 104 CFU/g) intake, fermented food intake, and the fermented food microbial richness index with cardiometabolic parameters. RESULTS: Higher intake of microbe-rich MedHi foods was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure (β = − 1.99 × 10–2; CI − 3.71 × 10–2, − 2.82 × 10–3; p = 0.02), with fruit and vegetable consumption influencing this relationship. Total fermented food intake was not associated with any of the cardiometabolic parameters, but a higher value for the microbial richness index was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (β = − 2.07 × 10–3; CI − 3.85 × 10–3, − 2.95 × 10–4; p = 0.02) and glycated haemoglobin (β = − 1.22 × 10–5; CI − 2.14 × 10–5, − 3.11 × 10–6; p = 0.01), independent of any food subgroups. CONCLUSION: Greater diversity of microbes from fermented foods was associated with lower systolic blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin in this study, suggesting potential cardiometabolic benefits.
Fasting-mimicking diets as a strategy to reprogram tumor metabolism: a systematic review.
Pereira IC, Martins JA, de Sousa DJM … +7 more , de Oliveira Neres MS, Lima RSP, da Silva Sousa J, Monteiro RL, da Silva FCC, Severo JS, Torres-Leal FL
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677881 · Full text
AIMS: The fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) is a plant-based, low-calorie dietary intervention characterized by reduced carbohydrate, with an emphasis on complex carbohydrates, and protein intake, alongside increased fat inta...
AIMS: The fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) is a plant-based, low-calorie dietary intervention characterized by reduced carbohydrate, with an emphasis on complex carbohydrates, and protein intake, alongside increased fat intake, designed to replicate the metabolic effects of fasting. Increasing evidence suggests that FMD may modulate tumorigenic pathways, enhancing the efficacy of anticancer treatments while minimizing adverse effects and resistance. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of FMD on tumor metabolism, both as a standalone intervention and in combination with conventional and experimental therapies, and to identify the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS: This review was registered in PROSPERO and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct was performed using the term “fasting-mimicking diet.” Inclusion criteria comprised preclinical studies in mice or rats that implemented ≥ 50% caloric restriction and assessed the impact of FMD on tumorigenesis rate, tumor count, volume or weight, survival rate, inflammatory and immune responses, oxidative stress, gene/protein expression linked to antitumor effects, or treatment-related toxicity. RESULTS: FMD alone was associated with delayed tumor progression, reduced metastasis, and downregulation of tumor-promoting biomarkers. When combined with chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or vitamin C, FMD enhanced antitumor efficacy through mechanisms involving oxidative stress modulation, improved antioxidant activity, autophagy regulation, and immune and inflammatory responses. These pathways contribute to the differential stress resistance observed in normal cells and increased vulnerability in tumor cells. CONCLUSION: Preclinical evidence suggests it can suppress tumor growth, reduce metastatic burden, and potentiate the therapeutic effects of multiple treatment modalities by modulating key metabolic pathways.
Soy and the gut microbiome: a bi-directional relationship shaping nutrition and health.
Nolan L, O'Toole PW
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677879 · Full text
The gut microbiome is a transducer of the health effects of many food ingredients because of its ability to convert them into health-impacting compounds. Plant-forward diets and plant ingredients are recognized as health...
The gut microbiome is a transducer of the health effects of many food ingredients because of its ability to convert them into health-impacting compounds. Plant-forward diets and plant ingredients are recognized as health promoting, with recent added impetus provided by the drive to provide consumers with more sustainable protein sources than meat. Soy-based foods are good protein sources, and they contain a variety of other ingredients such as fibre that can impact the microbiome. This review explores the health benefits reported for soy-containing foods and the role of microbiome involvement in health effects. It describes the bi-directional relationship between dietary soy and the human gut microbiome whereby microbial metabolism transforms soy-derived compounds into bioactive forms that influence host physiology, while soy consumption shapes gut microbiota composition and activity. Factors modulating the health effects of soy such as fermentation, bioavailability, and consumers’ individual microbiome configurations are discussed. Current research limitations, including inconsistent methodologies and a lack of longitudinal dietary intervention studies are addressed, as well as the need for multiple omics approaches in microbiome research. Finally, we present an interdisciplinary perspective of the complexity of soy-microbiome interactions, potential for health promotion, and relationship to sustainability.
Association of midlife macronutrient and mineral intake with subjective cognitive complaints in a prospective cohort of women.
Zheng X, Qin W, Wu F … +4 more , Koenig KL, Afanasyeva Y, Zeleniuch-Jacquotte A, Chen Y
Eur J Nutr · 2026 Feb · PMID 41677858 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the association between dietary nutrients and subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs), which are potential predictors of Alzheimer's disease-related dementia (ADRD). We aimed to examine...
PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the association between dietary nutrients and subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs), which are potential predictors of Alzheimer's disease-related dementia (ADRD). We aimed to examine the association of midlife intake of macronutrients, as well as of a few other nutrients, with SCC development. METHODS: We included 5119 participants who responded to the 2018 or 2020 follow-up questionnaire of the New York University Women's Health Study. Dietary data were collected using a validated self-administered Block food frequency questionnaire, and nutrient intake were calculated using food lists and food composition tables. SCCs were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Dietary intakes of fiber, carbohydrates, and potassium were inversely associated with having ≥ 2 SCC (p-trend = 0.0047, 0.026, and 0.0015, respectively), whereas higher intakes of total fat and saturated fat, as well as a higher ratio of fat to carbohydrates, were positively associated with ≥ 2 SCCs (p-trend = < 0.0001, 0.0015, and 0.0025, respectively). The positive associations of total fat intake and the log-ratio of fat to carbohydrates with ≥ 2 SCCs remained significant after controlling for other nutrients (p-trend = 0.008 and 0.036, respectively). The association between total fat intake and SCCs was stronger among participants with lower caloric intake (< median = 1430 kcal) compared with those consuming higher intake (≥ 1430 kcal) (p-value for interaction = 0.0049). The associations did not differ appreciably by other factors. CONCLUSION: We observed a positive association between midlife dietary fat intakes and SCCs in later life in a cohort of women.
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