Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Yearlong fluctuations of vitamin D status, intake, and health outcomes in university students: A prospective longitudinal study.
Zawieja E, Bykowska-Derda A, Chmurzynska A
Nutrition · 2026 Jun · PMID 41689927 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: This longitudinal observational study examined changes in serum 25(OH)D concentration, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, vitamin D intake, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and body composition i...
OBJECTIVES: This longitudinal observational study examined changes in serum 25(OH)D concentration, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, vitamin D intake, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and body composition in university students across an academic year. METHODS: Participants (n = 49) completed four assessments (in October, January, March, and July) that included blood sampling for 25(OH)D, CRP, leptin, and cortisol measurements, body composition via plethysmography, questionnaires, and cognitive testing. RESULTS: Most students had insufficient 25(OH)D concentrations. Supplementation increased 25(OH)D only after 3 mo, with levels declining when supplementation decreased. Vitamin D intake correlated with 25(OH)D concentration. CRP peaked in March despite the greatest frequency of infections occurring in January. Percent fat mass decreased from January to March, and fat-free mass (kg) was higher in March and July than in October and January. Cortisol concentration was the highest in October. Cognitive performance improved after October, while depressive symptoms were greatest in October. No significant associations were observed between 25(OH)D and CRP, body composition, cognition, and depression. Despite a significantly higher vitamin D intake in CYP2R1 rs10741657 GG homozygotes (58.0 ± 43.0 µg/d versus 25.3 ± 34.6 µg/da, P = 0.0081) than in AG + AA genotypes, no significant differences in 25(OH)D concentrations were observed between these genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: University students were at risk of low vitamin D status throughout the year; only sustained supplementation led to an effective increase in 25(OH)D concentrations. CYP2R1 GG homozygotes may require higher intake levels of vitamin D in order to achieve comparable 25(OH)D concentrations to those with AG + AA genotypes.
Frequency of fluid versus nutrition discussion on rounds in neonatal intensive care units: Is fluid intake a heuristic for nutrition intake?
Falciglia GH, Murthy K, Robinson DT
Nutrition · 2026 Jun · PMID 41687145 · Publisher ↗
Clinicians in the neonatal intensive care unit discuss fluid more frequently than energy and macronutrient (protein, fat and carbohydrate) intake. These findings suggest clinicians use fluid intake as a heuristic for nut...
Clinicians in the neonatal intensive care unit discuss fluid more frequently than energy and macronutrient (protein, fat and carbohydrate) intake. These findings suggest clinicians use fluid intake as a heuristic for nutrition intake which may lead to nutritional deficits because nutrition concentration varies by source.
Nutritional treatment from the perspective of palliative care patients and their caregivers: "Is this the end of the road?".
Bicakli DH, Uyanik G, Cetinkaya A … +1 more , Yilmaz M
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41671833 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND AIM: In palliative care, the main objective is to improve the quality of life of patients, and nutritional treatment may play an important role in enhancing well-being and maintaining strength. The aim of...
BACKGROUND AND AIM: In palliative care, the main objective is to improve the quality of life of patients, and nutritional treatment may play an important role in enhancing well-being and maintaining strength. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions of patients and their caregivers of nutritional therapies, improve care strategies, and guide healthcare professionals. METHODS: This qualitative study used purposive sampling with 10 patients and 10 caregivers in the Medical Oncology Palliative Care Clinic. Semistructured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Four key themes emerged regarding the perceptions of palliative care patients and caregivers regarding nutritional treatment: "Food craving and feeding struggle," "Negotiation process on nutritional treatment," "Reflections of ambivalent emotions," and "Dilemma: Life saver or Burden?". Participants conveyed both relief and distress from nutritional treatment, considering this approach as a necessary yet sometimes burdensome component of care. The phrase "Is this the end of the road?" encapsulated the emotional complexity involved in the decision to begin or withdraw nutritional treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The perceptions of palliative care patients and their caregivers regarding nutritional treatment involve dilemmas both physiologically and emotionally. Although nutritional treatment is seen as a requirement and a hope for the continuation of life, it is sometimes perceived as a burden and creates feelings of helplessness. The analysis of these considerations may help healthcare professionals to improve their approach in the nutritional management of their patients in palliative care.
A single-center retrospective study investigating use of dietetic interventions and changes in nutritional intake and weight in children receiving proton beam therapy.
Shabir H, Evans J
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41655313 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a novel treatment for children with certain cancers. It requires meticulous planning tailored to a child's body contour, shape, and size. Weight maintenance is essential throughou...
BACKGROUND: Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a novel treatment for children with certain cancers. It requires meticulous planning tailored to a child's body contour, shape, and size. Weight maintenance is essential throughout therapy to avoid unnecessary treatment replanning. Despite the specificity of PBT, gastrointestinal side effects can still occur and negatively impact children's nutritional intake. AIM: Examine the use of dietetic interventions, weight change, and calorie intake of children during PBT. METHODS: A retrospective study at a single center was undertaken. Nutritional outcomes were examined at baseline, wk-1, wk-3, wk-6 of PBT, including changes in weight Z-score and calorie intake from oral and tube feeding routes. The impact of children's disease type on the need for tube feeding, weight change, and calorie intake was analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve children received PBT, of which 26% (29/112) did not require dietetic intervention and were excluded, but 74% (83/112) did and were included. Of these, 51% maintained their oral intake exclusively, 28% had a prophylactic gastrostomy (including 60%, 15/25 of those with head and neck cancer), 16% a prophylactic nasogastric tube (including 23%, 11/48 of those with neurological disease). From baseline to wk-6, 80% maintained their weight within 5% loss/gain. The mean weight Z-score significantly reduced from 0.22 to 0.10 (P = 0.038), as did oral calorie intake (P = 0.003). Calorie intake from tube feeding significantly increased (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional support ensured that most children maintained a stable weight during PBT. A high prevalence of children required tube feeding via a gastrostomy or nasogastric tube as their oral intake declined.
Third-trimester diet and prenatal depression in the MADRES cohort.
Ash C, Maldonado LE, Yang T … +7 more , Eckel SP, Toledo-Corral C, Johnston J, Farzan S, Dunton G, Breton C, Bastain T
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41650492 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Poor dietary intake has been linked to depression during pregnancy, but little research has examined this in Hispanic populations. OBJECTIVE: We examined third-trimester associations of study-derived dietary...
BACKGROUND: Poor dietary intake has been linked to depression during pregnancy, but little research has examined this in Hispanic populations. OBJECTIVE: We examined third-trimester associations of study-derived dietary patterns with odds of prenatal depression and depressive symptoms in pregnant, low-income Hispanic women. METHODS: Participants (N = 587) were drawn from the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) cohort in Los Angeles, CA. Diet was assessed using a 24-h recall tool. Women were assigned quartile rankings based on adherence to two previously derived dietary patterns: vegetables, oils, and fruit (VOF; healthier) and solid fats, refined grains, and cheese (SRC; less healthy). Depressive symptoms were defined using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale score, and a dichotomized depression outcome was defined as Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale scores ≥16. RESULTS: Eighteen percent of participants were classified as depressed at the third-trimester visit. Women with the greatest adherence to the healthier dietary pattern (VOF) had 59% lower odds of depression (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.86) relative to women with the lowest adherence to this dietary pattern, after adjustment for covariates. Additionally, women with moderately high (third quartile) adherence to the VOF dietary pattern had 16.9% lower depressive symptoms (95% CI: -30.5%, -0.8%) compared with women with the lowest VOF adherence. Women with the highest VOF adherence had similar, non-statistically significant lower depressive symptoms (Beta = -10.4%, 95% CI: -25.7%, 8.1%). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that there are important relationships between a healthy diet and lower depression in late pregnancy, and suggest that nutritional counseling and improved neighborhood access to healthy food may be important for maternal mental health.
Simple anthropometric indicators compared with DXA-assessed visceral adiposity for screening brown adipose tissue activity in adult women.
Solar I, Martelli ME, Santos VF … +4 more , Norde MM, Velloso LA, Geloneze B, Vasques ACJ
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41650491 · Publisher ↗
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation increases energy expenditure and is associated with reduced body adiposity and improved cardiometabolic health. Therefore, we hypothesized that anthropometric parameters, particularl...
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation increases energy expenditure and is associated with reduced body adiposity and improved cardiometabolic health. Therefore, we hypothesized that anthropometric parameters, particularly those reflecting central adiposity, could serve as indirect and straightforward markers for screening BAT activity. We evaluated the performance of anthropometric indicators, such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), neck circumference (NC), sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), neck-to-height ratio (NHtR), SAD-to-height ratio (SADHtR) and body roundness index (BRI), for screening of BAT activity (assessed by infrared thermography) in 122 adult women exposed to cold (for 2 h in an 18°C room), considering visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the harmful indicator of abdominal adiposity. Using multiple linear regression adjusted for age and physical activity level, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, we found that BMI, SAD, WC, and WHtR were the best indirect screeners of BAT activity, performing as well as VAT (p > 0.05 for all). These indicators may serve as practical proxies of BAT activity, potentially aiding in the development of strategies for metabolic disease intervention and prevention.
Response to the Comment on: "Comparison of ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4.0 and DeepSeek in generating dietary plans for patients with chronic kidney disease: A focus on nutritional accuracy and dietary inflammation".
Li X, You Q
Nutrition · 2026 Jul · PMID 41644386 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Influences of vegan status on protein intake, lean body mass, and strength in lightly active, young women: A cross-sectional study.
Bartholomae E, Nadalet C, Johnston CS
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41643473 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Plant-based diets are rising in popularity due to their health and environmental benefits. Vegan diets are a strict plant-based diet plan that excludes all animal foods, and reports suggest that a considerabl...
OBJECTIVES: Plant-based diets are rising in popularity due to their health and environmental benefits. Vegan diets are a strict plant-based diet plan that excludes all animal foods, and reports suggest that a considerable portion of habitual vegans do not consume the daily recommended amount of protein. METHODS: This study utilized a cross-sectional study design to examine functional and structural markers of protein status (e.g., lean body mass and muscle strength) in healthy, lightly active women who habitually consumed a vegan (>1 y) or omnivore diet. Participants were matched by age, weight, and body mass index. Participants completed health and diet questionnaires and a physical activity assessment. Lean body mass was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Dynamometer testing was used to measure hand grip and leg strength. Inferential statistics and correlational analyses were used to examine differences between diet groups. RESULTS: Protein intakes and lean body mass were significantly lower for the vegan participants compared to those eating meat (-44% and -8%, respectively). Although hand grip strength was similar between diet groups, several indicators of leg strength were 14% to 15% lower in the vegan group compared to the omnivore group (P < 0.05). Correlates of strength varied by diet group: several strength markers were significantly correlated to lean mass in the vegan diet group, whereas strength and dietary protein were correlated in the omnivore diet group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that functional indicators of body protein status may be adversely impacted by long-term adherence to vegan diets in young adult women.
Validity of fatty acid profiling in saliva: A comparative analysis with blood-based matrices.
Abodi M, Comotti A, Turolo S … +8 more , Syren ML, Tartaglia GM, Cenzato N, Bertoni C, Bettocchi S, Agostoni CV, Mazzocchi A, Milani GP
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41637917 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Fatty acid (FA) profiling is nowadays performed from blood samples according to the research objective. Salivary FAs emerged as an innovative and non-invasive analysis providing information on dietary intake,...
OBJECTIVES: Fatty acid (FA) profiling is nowadays performed from blood samples according to the research objective. Salivary FAs emerged as an innovative and non-invasive analysis providing information on dietary intake, pathological conditions, and metabolic status. However, evidence on the correlation of circulating with salivary FAs is, to our knowledge, unavailable. This pilot study aims to compare the FA profiles in saliva and blood in healthy adults, evaluating saliva as a potential surrogate matrix. METHODS: Samples of saliva, plasma, and whole blood were collected from healthy subjects in fasting (T0) and postprandial (T1) conditions. FAs were analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Spearman coefficients and Bland-Altman plots assessed correlation and agreement. RESULTS: The 30 participants were 29.7 ± 5.3 y, BMI 22.3 ± 2.7 kg/m², non-smokers. In fasting conditions, salivary FAs were dominated by palmitic (22.29%, IQR = 6.50%), oleic (21.63%, IQR = 9.54%), stearic (14.40%, IQR = 7.59%), and linoleic acid (8.52%, IQR = 6.42%). Only vaccenic acid showed a significant negative correlation with plasma (P = 0.005). At T1, positive correlations emerged only for total PUFAs between saliva and plasma (P = 0.028) and saliva and whole blood (P = 0.045). Bland-Altman analysis showed limited agreement across matrices, with small-to-moderate mean biases but wide limits of agreement (LoA). CONCLUSION: Despite the small sample size and exploratory nature of the study, our findings support that salivary FAs may only partially reflect blood FA profiles, with substantial interindividual variability. Larger and more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results and clarify the conditions under which saliva could become a feasible alternative matrix.
Preoperative symbiotic supplementation modulates the intestinal microbiota of patients with colorectal cancer: Evidence from a randomized clinical trial.
Trindade LM, Borges AD, Carvalho RDO … +14 more , Gomes BF, da Silva MT, Sette NSV, Rogério L, Cavalcanti GG, Garcia APV, Cassali GD, Azevedo VA, Cardoso VN, Maurício SF, Rodrigues LB, Valdés ST, da Silva RG, Generoso SV
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41637916 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing major surgeries, such as intestinal resections for colorectal cancer (CRC), present an increased risk of developing gut dysbiosis, which may be related to postoperative complications. Howe...
BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing major surgeries, such as intestinal resections for colorectal cancer (CRC), present an increased risk of developing gut dysbiosis, which may be related to postoperative complications. However, biotherapeutic agents, such as symbiotics, are able to maintain intestinal homeostasis. We therefore explored the impact of preoperative symbiotic supplementation on the intestinal microbiota (IM) of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing surgical treatment. METHODS: This was a single-center, parallel, triple-masked, randomized clinical trial carried out at Federal University of Minas Gerais Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04874883) comprised of adult patients diagnosed with CRC for tumor resection surgery. Patients were randomized to receive two sachets (6 g each) of symbiotic (S group) or maltodextrin (C group) twice a day for 4-10 d prior to surgery. All patients underwent nutritional and anthropometric assessments, as well as food consumption, bowel function, and digestive complaint assessments during the pre- and postoperative periods. Stools were collected before treatment (T1), after surgery (T2), and before hospital discharge (T3) to assess IM diversity and short-chain fatty acids. Normal tissue and tumor tissue fragments were collected during surgery for evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were enrolled in the study, with 23 subjects in each group. No differences were seen between the groups regarding clinical or infectious complications (P > 0.05). The IM of stools collected at T2 showed a significant increment for the phylum Firmicutes, family Bacillaceae, and genus Blautia in the S group compared with the C group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in those patients with infectious complications, the relative abundance of the Proteobacteria phylum was significantly lower in the S group compared with the C group (P < 0.05). Higher butyrate production was found at T2 and T3 in the S group, while acetate and propionate production were increased at T2 (P < 0.05). Additionally, the S group showed increased mucus production in the tumor tissue (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative symbiotic supplementation in patients with CRC undergoing tumor resection positively altered IM diversity, and increased short-chain fatty acid and mucus production.
Serum FSTL-1 and AI-assessed muscle parameters in cancer-related malnutrition.
de Luis D, Primo D, Izaola O … +3 more , Cebria A, Godoy E, Gómez JJL
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41637915 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Follistatin-like protein-1 (FSTL-1) is emerging as a myokine linking skeletal and muscle biology. We investigated the relationship between circulating FSTL-1 levels and muscle mass and quality, using an artif...
OBJECTIVES: Follistatin-like protein-1 (FSTL-1) is emerging as a myokine linking skeletal and muscle biology. We investigated the relationship between circulating FSTL-1 levels and muscle mass and quality, using an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced ultrasonographic evaluation of the rectus femoris in patients with cancer-related disease-related malnutrition. METHODS: A total of 91 patients diagnosed with cancer and disease-related malnutrition were included in the study. Muscle mass assessment was performed through US evaluation of the rectus femoris, using an AI-based analytical ultrasound system. Complementary evaluations comprised BIA to determine skeletal muscle mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, and the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, with determination of circulating FSTL-1 concentrations. RESULTS: Thirty-seven women and 54 men, with a mean age of 69.5 ± 10.6 years were enrolled. Sarcopenia was identified in 41 individuals (45.9%). Patients with sarcopenia showed significantly reduced values: body weight (-4.1 ± 1.0 kg; P = 0.02), calf circumference (-2.5 ± 0.3 cm; P = 0.03), phase angle (-0.7 ± 0.2°; P = 0.01), and reactance (-6.3 ± 1.3 Ω; P = 0.03), skeletal muscle mass (-2.3 ± 0.3 kg; P = 0.03), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (-3.7 ± 0.1 kg; P = 0.02), and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (-1.3 ± 0.3 kg/m²; P = 0.02), cross-sectional area (-0.4 ± 0.2 cm²; P = 0.04), and y-axis (-0.27 ± 0.1 cm; P = 0.03), and pennation angle (-1.1 ± 0.2°; P = 0.02). Circulating levels of FSTL-1 were markedly reduced in patients with sarcopenia. In the multivariate logistic regression model, lower FSTL-1 concentrations remained significantly associated with an increased likelihood of sarcopenia (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.10-4.21; P = 0.03. FSTL-1 demonstrated a moderate discriminative capacity for identifying sarcopenia, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.51-0.73; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced circulating FSTL-1 levels were independently associated with sarcopenia in patients with cancer-related malnutrition. These results indicate that FSTL-1 may act as a biomarker of impaired muscle quality and mass, as reflected by AI-assisted ultrasound and bioimpedance parameters.
Assessing food and nutrient security in Taiwan: Integrating sustainability and the planetary health diet.
Nguyen DHN, Chen CM, Lin SP … +5 more , Lam HN, Su CT, Liu KE, Lee SC, Li SC
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41632993 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Food and nutrient security are critical for population health and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to assess Taiwan's food and nutrient security and its alignment with the planetary health diet...
OBJECTIVES: Food and nutrient security are critical for population health and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to assess Taiwan's food and nutrient security and its alignment with the planetary health diet (PHD), integrating CO impact analysis. METHODS: This study introduces the Food Security Index (FSI) and Nutrient Security Index (NSI) to assess Taiwan's food and nutrient security. It also examines adherence to the PHD and uses life cycle assessment to evaluate CO₂ emissions across regions/countries, offering a comprehensive view of environmental impacts. From 2017 to 2020, the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan estimated the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) for 12 120 participants using FAO methods. Additionally, the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) was calculated for 2879 participants in 2022-23 with FAO's RM.weights package. The FSI and NSI were derived from supply-to-needs (S-Nr) and intake-to-needs (I-Nr) ratios using NAHSIT and the food balance sheet (FBS). Moreover, PHD score (PHDS) was applied to assess PHD adherence and compare CO₂ emissions across 12 regions/countries using FBS. RESULTS: Taiwan with PoU below 2.5% (2017-20), FIES 1.1% (2022-23). FBS showed S-Nr 0.84 for vegetables, 0.77 for fruits, and 0.47 for dairy. I-Nr for calcium was 0.56, while NAHSIT S-Nr was 0.97 for cereals/roots, 0.36 for dairy, and 0.71 for vegetables/fruits, I-Nr 0.58 for fiber, 0.56 for calcium, and 0.49 for vitamin D. Taiwan achieved the highest PHDS (48.55%), while Brazil had the lowest (31.06%). A moderate negative correlation (r = -0.413) was found between PHDS and food-related CO₂ emissions. CONCLUSION: Despite high food security, targeted policies are needed to address nutrient imbalances and promote sustainable diets.
Changes in raw bioelectrical impedance parameters as markers of body composition in youth: A prospective cohort investigation.
Rosa GB, Francisco R, Silva AM … +2 more , Lukaski HC, Sardinha LB
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41616610 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Despite cross-sectional evidence supporting raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters as informative markers of body composition in youth, their role from a longitudinal perspective remains unclea...
OBJECTIVES: Despite cross-sectional evidence supporting raw bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters as informative markers of body composition in youth, their role from a longitudinal perspective remains unclear. We examined how 1-y changes in phase angle (PhA) and other raw BIA parameters were associated with changes in body components at multiple levels in children and adolescents. METHODS: In a 1-y prospective cohort investigation, including 562 healthy and on-time matured youth (51.6% females), we assessed raw BIA parameters with a phase-sensitive 50 kHz BIA device and examined body composition through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and related models. The association between changes in raw BIA parameters and changes in body composition by sex and peak height velocity (PHV) stage was analyzed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: PhA was positively associated with changes in fat-related components, fat-free mass, extracellular water, fluids and solids, osseous minerals, and muscle tissue in females (β = 0.088-0.150; P ≤ 0.05) and with alterations in most body components in males (β = 0.098-0.300; P ≤ 0.05). Similar trends to those of males were observed in both sexes during post-PHV (females: β = 0.149-0.297; males: β = 0.185-0.352; P ≤ 0.05). Other series and parallel BIA parameters exhibited even higher explanatory power of body composition than PhA, with the magnitude of the associations depending on each raw BIA parameter, sex, and PHV stage (females: β =|0.099|-|0.429|; males: β = |0.106|-|0.706|; P ≤ 0.05). Among all raw BIA parameters, the highest associations were observed in resistance adjusted to stature (RI) (total sample and pre-PHV), parallel capacitive reactance adjusted to stature (XcpI), and capacitance (Cap) (both post-PHV). CONCLUSION: PhA emerged as a modest marker of body composition dynamics in youth, particularly in males and during adolescence (post-PHV), whereas other raw BIA parameters, particularly RI, XcpI, and Cap, showed even greater promise in both sexes and across development stages.
Polygenic risk score for lower limb skeletal muscle mass and its interaction with protein and vitamin D intake in older adults.
Liu M, Park S
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41616609 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Lower limb skeletal muscle mass is essential for maintaining physical function in older adults and serves as an early indicator of sarcopenia. This study aimed to characterize the polygenic architecture of lo...
OBJECTIVES: Lower limb skeletal muscle mass is essential for maintaining physical function in older adults and serves as an early indicator of sarcopenia. This study aimed to characterize the polygenic architecture of low-lower limb skeletal muscle index (low-LSMI), identify underlying biological mechanisms, and develop a polygenic risk score (PRS). METHODS: A genome-wide association study was conducted using UK Biobank data from 93,402 participants aged ≥65 y with bioelectrical impedance analysis results, including 14 076 with low-LSMI. Low-LSMI was defined as <5.7 kg/m² for men and <4.9 kg/m² for women based on EWGSOP2 (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2) criteria. Secondary analyses included gene set enrichment analysis and tissue-specific expression profiling. A PRS was developed using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction, and molecular docking analysis evaluated nutrient-protein binding. RESULTS: Low-LSMI prevalence was higher in men than in women (18.5% vs. 11.8%), and was associated with elevated inflammatory markers (Hs-CRP: 3.43 vs. 2.73 mg/dL in men; P < 0.001), lower serum vitamin D (49.7 vs. 53.3 ng/mL in men; P < 0.001), and paradoxically lower metabolic syndrome prevalence. The strongest genetic association was rs77530409 in IL5RA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.97, P = 6.16 × 10⁻¹⁷). An optimal 4-single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) PRS model (FTO rs3751814, ADAMTSL3 rs4842838, CYP4F2 rs3093198, and DPP8 rs66993805) achieved an area under the curve of 0.852. Significant gene-lifestyle interactions were observed for high-risk individuals with low protein intake (OR = 1.35), low vitamin D (OR = 1.66), high alcohol consumption (OR = 1.54), or low physical activity (OR = 1.52). Molecular docking showed reduced binding affinity of vitamin D3 to the ADAMTSL3-mutated variant (661Leu; -8.7 kcal/mol) relative to the wild-type (Val661; -9.3 kcal/mol). CONCLUSION: The 4-SNP PRS, combined with lifestyle assessment through gene-lifestyle interaction analysis, provides a tool for early risk stratification of muscle loss in older adults, with molecular evidence supporting personalized nutritional interventions.
Association between spicy food consumption and inflammatory bowel disease: A case-control study from Saudi Arabia.
Almofarreh A, Sheerah HA, Arafa A … +4 more , Moh'd T, Tayyib RA, Yamani AN, Ali AM
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41616608 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with increasing global prevalence. Although dietary factors are increasingl...
BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with increasing global prevalence. Although dietary factors are increasingly implicated in IBD pathogenesis, the role of spicy food remains unclear, especially in Arab populations where such foods are commonly consumed. This study aimed to examine the association between spicy food consumption and the risk of UC and CD in an Arab population. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study at a private clinic in Saudi Arabia, involving 157 patients with UC, 226 with CD, and 390 controls. IBD was diagnosed using laboratory tests, endoscopy with biopsies, and imaging when indicated. Spicy food was defined as dishes made with chili peppers or hot sauces and was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between spicy food intake and IBD risk, and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Daily consumption of spicy food was significantly associated with higher odds of CD (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.33), but not UC (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.60). No significant associations were observed between spicy food and IBD extent or severity. CONCLUSIONS: In this Arab population, daily spicy food intake was positively associated with CD risk, while no association was identified for UC. Future prospective cohort studies with detailed information about spicy food types and IBD severity scores are needed to confirm our findings.
Unintentional weight loss: Most risk factors do not differ between individuals with a healthy weight and those with overweight or obesity.
Mwala NN, Borkent JW, van der Meij BS … +1 more , de van der Schueren MAE
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41604852 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Unintentional weight loss (UWL) is an important clinical indicator of malnutrition risk. Risk factors for UWL may differ by body size, measured by body mass index (BMI), and identifying at-risk individuals ca...
OBJECTIVES: Unintentional weight loss (UWL) is an important clinical indicator of malnutrition risk. Risk factors for UWL may differ by body size, measured by body mass index (BMI), and identifying at-risk individuals can be challenging in those with overweight/obesity. METHODS: Data from ∼125 000 adults (≥18 y) in the Dutch Lifelines cohort were analyzed to examine whether associations between 21 potential risk factors spanning sociodemographic, psychological stress, disease, dietary, and quality-of-life domains and UWL differ by BMI group. Participants were classified as having a healthy weight (45.8%) or overweight/obesity (54.2%). Multivariable Poisson regression models estimated prevalence ratios for UWL, with sensitivity analyses to test robustness. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: UWL was reported by 4.9% of participants with a healthy weight and 2.7% of those with overweight/obesity. Positive associations with UWL were observed for female sex, (healthy-weight group only), absence from work due to disease, psychological stress in the past year, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, and poor quality-of-life indicators (physical functioning, perceived health, emotional well-being, vitality, and social functioning). Effect modification by BMI was suggested for 10 risk factors (P < 0.1), with associations generally more pronounced in the healthy-weight group. After sensitivity analyses, only higher educational attainment, psychological stress in the past year, and poor physical functioning retained significant modification. CONCLUSIONS: Most risk factors for UWL were consistent between BMI groups. Differences in higher educational attainment, psychological stress in the past year, and physical functioning suggest that although the factors are similar, their impact may differ by BMI.
Role of Nutri-Score and Eco-Score in shaping consumers' sensory expectations and purchase intention: An eye-tracking study on animal- and plant-based foods.
Andreani G, Sogari G, Daniele A … +1 more , Gómez MI
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41592437 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Front-of-package (FOP) labeling schemes could be adopted to provide consumers with timely and credible information and to promote healthy and sustainable food consumption. In addition, when defining healthy an...
OBJECTIVE: Front-of-package (FOP) labeling schemes could be adopted to provide consumers with timely and credible information and to promote healthy and sustainable food consumption. In addition, when defining healthy and sustainable food behaviors, international authorities agree that reducing meat consumption could be of benefit to both human health and the planet. Given the increasing interest in plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) and FOP labels, we investigate in this study how interpretative FOP labels-the Nutri Score (NS) and Eco Score (ES)-impact consumers' sensory expectations and purchase intention of a meat product and its plant-based counterpart. METHOD: Using eye-tracking data, we analyzed whether and to what extent attention to these labels affects participants' behaviors (n = 76). In addition, to explore differences across consumer segments we divided our sample based on the Meat Attachment Questionnaire (MAQ) to classify subjects according to their bond towards meat consumption. RESULTS: Results showed that attention to the NS or ES did not impact participants with higher MAQ scores (i.e., with a more positive bond toward meat consumption); however, sensory expectations of both the meat and plant-based product were influenced by consumer visual attention for participants with a lower meat attachment level (i.e., with lower MAQ scores). Specifically, we found a positive relationship between the attention paid to the positive ES of the plant-based product and the expectation of liking it (abreviated as "expected liking"), and a positive interaction between the attention paid to the negative NS of the animal product and its expected liking. CONCLUSIONS: We show that favorable sustainable labels can positively shape consumers' expectations for PBMAs, while negative labels do not undermine expected liking or purchase intention for animal products, and discuss our results to provide insights for future research and implications for both food industries and policymakers.
Mediterranean diet in cancer patients' survival: A systematic review and meta-analysis for tertiary prevention featured in the Italian National Guidelines "La Dieta Mediterranea".
Nucci D, Ragusa FS, Veronese N … +16 more , Brunello A, Laviano A, Volpe M, Maggi S, Onder G, Silano M, Zanetti M, Alonzo E, Crudele L, Fichera M, Giussani C, Misotti A, Paolini B, Trestini I, Gianfredi V, Mediterranean Diet Guideline Group
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41579434 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Cancer remains a leading global health burden, yet survival rates are improving due to better prevention and treatment advances. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we investigate the impact of adhere...
BACKGROUND: Cancer remains a leading global health burden, yet survival rates are improving due to better prevention and treatment advances. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we investigate the impact of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) on overall and disease-free survival in cancer patients across various cancer types. METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed up to February 28, 2024. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated with the NUTRIGRADE approach. Pooled effect sizes were computed using a random-effects model and expressed as risk ratios, hazard ratios (HR), or odds ratios. RESULTS: Among 8314 records initially identified, 17 studies were included; sample sizes ranged from 23 to 6457. Moderate-certainty evidence showed that higher adherence to the MD was associated with reduced overall mortality in cancer patients (risk ratio: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94-0.98), including subgroups with head and neck (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.84-1.00), ovarian (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.56-0.87), prostate (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95-0.99), breast (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96-0.98), and gastric cancer (HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.45-0.55). Moderate-certainty evidence supported improved disease-free survival in patients with breast cancer (HR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.15-0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Higher adherence to the MD correlates with improved survival and quality of life in various cancers. It is therefore a promising, sustainable strategy to be integrated in cancer care.
Prescribing patterns and appropriateness of dietary supplements in pediatric outpatients by age, nutritional status, and clinical diagnoses.
Pham EC, Le TVT, Do TTH … +4 more , Le TC, Le HD, Nguyen NT, Nguyen TM
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41579433 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Dietary supplements (DS) are increasingly used in pediatric care to address nutritional deficiencies and support treatment, yet their prescribing patterns in low- and middle-income settings are understudied....
OBJECTIVES: Dietary supplements (DS) are increasingly used in pediatric care to address nutritional deficiencies and support treatment, yet their prescribing patterns in low- and middle-income settings are understudied. The aim of this study was to characterize patterns of pediatric DS use and to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribing practices. METHODS: A 2024 cross-sectional study of 1000 Vietnamese pediatric outpatients examined DS use by age, nutritional status, and disease, and assessed age and dosage adherence. RESULTS: Monotherapy dominated (69.0%), primarily in children aged 1-10 y (53.1%), with probiotics (20.5%) and multivitamin-mineral-amino acid complexes (8.1%) prevalent, driven by respiratory (58.8%) and infectious diagnoses. Poly-supplementation (31.0%) was common in mid-childhood, with zinc-probiotic combinations (4.8%) addressing multifaceted needs; however, complex regimens posed dosing challenges. Nutritional status revealed conservative prescribing, with underweight children (6.9%) receiving minimal DS despite evidence supporting multi-nutrient interventions for growth recovery. Age appropriateness was high (99.1%), with minor deviations in infants (0.5%) linked to digestive disorders (adjusted OR = 22.90, P = 0.0006). Dosage compliance was lower (91.0%), with 9.0% exceedances, particularly in complex formulations (e.g., 24.8% for multivitamins-minerals-amino acids). Normal-weight children (74.5%) dominated DS use, reflecting demographic proportionality rather than targeted needs, while overweight (18.6%) and underweight groups showed potential underutilization of corrective DS, such as zinc for malnutrition or vitamin D for obesity-related deficits. Logistic regression highlighted prescription multiplicity (dual DS: adjusted OR = 1.85, P = 0.0150; triple DS: adjusted OR = 2.72, P = 0.0226) and digestive diagnoses as key non-compliance predictors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore a probiotic-centric, conservative DS paradigm, with gaps in addressing high-risk groups and dosing accuracy. Enhanced guidelines, clinician training, and electronic prescribing tools are critical to optimize DS efficacy and safety, aligning with evidence-based standards to improve pediatric outcomes in resource-constrained contexts.
Influence of dietary supplementation with two distinct probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium longum R0175 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus JB-1, on seizure susceptibility and valproate response: Behavioral and biochemical studies in mice.
Wlaź P, Skonieczna-Żydecka K, Wiater A … +10 more , Styburski D, Majewska M, Boguszewska-Czubara A, Wyska E, González-Ibarra A, Gapińska N, Luchowska-Kocot D, Żelazowska R, Grąz M, Socała K
Nutrition · 2026 May · PMID 41576857 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence suggests potential beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation in the management of epilepsy. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of two distinct bacteri...
OBJECTIVE: Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence suggests potential beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation in the management of epilepsy. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of two distinct bacterial strains, Bifidobacterium longum R0175 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus JB-1, on seizure susceptibility, the antiseizure efficacy of sodium valproate, behavioral and neurochemical parameters, and gut metabolomic profiles in mice. METHODS: Mice received daily oral administration of either B. longum R0175 or L. rhamnosus JB-1 for 28 d. Seizure thresholds were assessed using the maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST) test, the 6 Hz seizure threshold test, and the intravenous (iv) pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure test. The efficacy of sodium valproate was evaluated in the subcutaneous (sc) PTZ seizure test. Additional assessments included anxiety-related behavior, neuromotor functions, brain neurochemical and inflammatory markers, fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and untargeted metabolomic profiling of fecal samples. RESULTS: B. longum R0175 and L. rhamnosus JB-1 did not affect the thresholds for tonic seizures in the MEST test and for psychomotor seizures in the 6 Hz test. B. longum R0175 slightly increased the threshold for myoclonic seizures in the ivPTZ. Both strains enhanced the antiseizure efficacy of sodium valproate without altering its serum or brain concentrations. No significant effects were observed on anxiety-related behavior, neuromotor function, neurochemical or inflammatory markers. Both probiotics increased the concentration of butyrate and total SCFAs in fecal samples. Metabolomic analysis revealed variations in the metabolism of bile acids, polyphenols, fatty acids, and amino acids. CONCLUSIONS: The probiotics alone had minimal effects on seizure thresholds, but they enhanced the antiseizure efficacy of valproate, which may be linked to increased SCFA production and altered gut metabolism. These findings support further studies on probiotics as a complementary strategy in epilepsy treatment.
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