The British Journal Of Nutrition[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Poor quality, pro-inflammatory diet in children with Crohn's disease and healthy controls: a cross-sectional study.
Breton J, Quinn R, Conrad M … +4 more , Kachelries K, Baldassano R, Albenberg L, Compher CW
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41913939 · Publisher ↗
Diet plays a critical role in the development and progression of Crohn's disease (CD). Dietary indices are important tools to evaluate diet quality and inflammatory potential, and we investigated their associations with...
Diet plays a critical role in the development and progression of Crohn's disease (CD). Dietary indices are important tools to evaluate diet quality and inflammatory potential, and we investigated their associations with paediatric CD compared with healthy children. A cross-sectional study including 144 children with CD (122 with clinically active and twenty-two with quiescent disease) and fifty-seven healthy controls aged 6-18 years was conducted. Dietary intake was estimated using three 24-h dietary recalls. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, alternate Mediterranean diet (aMed) score and dietary inflammatory potential using the modified Children-Dietary Inflammatory Index (mC-DII). Children with active CD had lower total HEI-2015 and aMed scores than healthy controls. A similar pro-inflammatory mC-DII score was found across the three groups. A higher mC-DII score in patients with CD was associated with higher intake of refined sugars, saturated fats and protein, and lower intake of whole grains and dairy, identifying dietary components contributing to dietary nflammatory potential. Similarly, healthy children in the highest mC-DII tertile consumed more added sugars and sodium and fewer whole grains, fruits, vegetables and plant proteins. Fibre intake was significantly lower in children with active CD (median %DRI: 37·0 (22·6-48·3) vs 41·2 (34·1-49·1) vs 45·8 (35·7-62·0), P < 0·001). Overall both children with CD and healthy children in this cohort consume a poor-quality, pro-inflammatory diet low in fibre, but the quality and fibre content are significantly lower in children with active CD. Future randomised controlled trials are needed to evaluate dietary interventions on the risk and progression of paediatric CD.
Diet quality attenuates the association between flavonoid intake and hepatic steatosis risk in the Framingham Heart Study.
Gao V, Jacques PF, Ma J
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41913372 · Publisher ↗
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Flavonoids may offer protective benefits, but the role of overall diet quality in modulating this...
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Flavonoids may offer protective benefits, but the role of overall diet quality in modulating this remains unclear. In this cross-sectional study, we analysed 2815 participants from the Framingham Heart Study. Hepatic steatosis was defined by liver:phantom ratio < 0·33 using multidetector computed tomography. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ, and intake of six flavonoid subclasses and total flavonoid was estimated using the USDA database. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between flavonoid intake quartiles and hepatic steatosis, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle covariates, followed by additional models adjusting for a priori dietary quality indexes: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, the Mediterranean-style diet score and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score. Higher intake of flavonols, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanidins, flavonoid polymers and total flavonoids is associated with lower odds of hepatic steatosis ( < 0·05), with up to 40 % reduced odds at the highest quartiles before adjustment for diet quality. After adjustments, associations attenuated and lost statistical significance. The attenuation does not rule out a potential protective role of flavonoids; it may indicate that higher flavonoid intake is an important element of a broader healthy diet. Alternatively, the associations could be confounded by other components of diet which may independently reduce steatosis risk. Nonetheless, these findings underscore the importance of promoting flavonoid-rich diets in the context of overall healthy diet and support further investigation in prospective and interventional studies targeting MASLD prevention.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and tendency to orthorexia nervosa among athletes.
Kendir D, Çakıroğlu FP
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41905962 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a recognised healthy eating pattern, and the tendency towards orthorexia nervosa in professional athletes, and to examine their relationship with physical...
This study aimed to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a recognised healthy eating pattern, and the tendency towards orthorexia nervosa in professional athletes, and to examine their relationship with physical activity levels. The study was conducted with athletes ( 134) at the Turkish Olympic Preparation Center (TOHM). Data were collected using a questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Orthorexia-11 (ORTO-11) scale assessing orthorexic tendencies. Of the participants, 17·2 % had poor dietary quality, 60·4 % moderate and 22·4 % good dietary quality. According to the ORTO-11 (cut-off ≤ 25 points), 30·6 % of athletes exhibited orthorexic tendencies. Athletes adhering to a diet had significantly higher orthorexia tendencies compared with non-dieters ( < 0·05). A significant association was found between athletic experience and orthorexic tendencies, particularly among those with 4-8 years and ≥8 years of experience ( < 0·05). Moreover, athletes consuming three main meals had significantly higher KIDMED and ORTO-11 scores than those consuming two meals ( < 0·05). No statistically significant correlation was found between the KIDMED score, ORTO-11 score and physical activity level ( > 0·05). Professional athletes showed moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, while certain groups displayed higher orthorexia tendencies. Diet quality and orthorexic tendencies differed significantly with eating habits such as athletic experience and meal patterns, whereas physical activity level had no effect. These findings highlight the importance of multidisciplinary nutrition strategies focusing on both performance and sustainable healthy eating behaviours.
Healthy nutrient-rich dietary patterns and mortality in older Chinese: a 16-year follow-up of Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study.
Sun C, Wang J, Jin YL … +6 more , Au Yeung SL, Woo J, Cheng KK, Lam TH, Zhang W, Xu L
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41885087 · Publisher ↗
Using different techniques to derive dietary patterns (DP) could evaluate real-world diet behaviours and provide DP recommendations. Therefore, we identified DP using hybrid methodologies and examined the associations of...
Using different techniques to derive dietary patterns (DP) could evaluate real-world diet behaviours and provide DP recommendations. Therefore, we identified DP using hybrid methodologies and examined the associations of DP with all-cause and CVD mortality among older Chinese. Using data from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study, dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ. DP were derived using hybrid methods including reduced rank regression (RRR) and partial least squares (PLS), focusing on nutrients commonly insufficient in Asian diets. Associations of the DP with mortality and CVD risk factors were examined using Cox regression and generalised linear models, respectively. Of 19 598 participants with an average follow-up of 15·8 years, 4966 deaths occurred. Two DP were derived based on the riboflavin-density, K:Na ratio and vitamin C-density. The DP derived from both RRR and PLS featured high intakes of green vegetables, yellow/orange fruits and whole grains and low intakes of refined grains and plant oils, with additional high intakes of fish identified by RRR and milk by PLS. These DP were associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality risks. Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartiles showed lower risks of all-cause (hazard ratio (HR): 0·89–0·91, all < 0·01) and CVD mortality (HR: 0·79–0·82, all < 0·01). Moreover, both DP were associated with favourable cardiometabolic profiles, including lower systolic blood pressure, TAG and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, and higher HDL-cholesterol levels. These findings suggest that nutrient-rich DP using hybrid methods may support the development of dietary recommendations to reduce mortality among older Chinese.
Effect of the mind diet on fatigue, quality of life and brain fog in patients with multiple sclerosis: study protocol for a parallel-group randomised controlled trial.
Üner Yılmaz B, Deveci EE, Kutlu Günergin G … +1 more , Aktaş N
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41883281 · Publisher ↗
Multiple sclerosis (MS), known to affect many individuals, can often lead to symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment and depression, thereby adversely affecting quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this planned...
Multiple sclerosis (MS), known to affect many individuals, can often lead to symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment and depression, thereby adversely affecting quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this planned single-centre, randomised controlled trial is to determine the effects of implementing the MIND diet or a standard diet program on quality of life, fatigue, cognition and brain fog symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The study will include sixty-two adult RRMS patients living in Muğla, Türkiye. Eligible patients who agree to participate will be randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to the MIND diet or standard diet group for a 12-week intervention. Participants will be monitored weekly for adherence to the interventions. Primary outcomes will include determining the effects of dietary interventions on Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54, Questionnaire, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS battery and Brain Fog Scale. Secondary outcomes will consist of blood parameters including body composition and complete blood count, biochemical parameters (fasting glucose, lipid profile, liver enzymes and albumin), C-reactive protein, thyroid hormones and folate, vitamin B and vitamin D levels. The results of this study may help determine the potential beneficial effects of the MIND diet on MS-related fatigue, reduced quality of life, cognitive dysfunction and brain fog, contribute to comparing these findings with existing evidence in the literature and provide up-to-date evidence. In addition, it may contribute to the development of a new nutritional therapy for MS.
The effects of hesperidin supplementation on inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ouyang L, Yu M, Zhang W … +1 more , Gong Y
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41883255 · Publisher ↗
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of hesperidin supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in human adults. A systematic literature search was con...
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of hesperidin supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in human adults. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 4 January 2025 to identify eligible randomised controlled trials. Ten randomised controlled trials with a total of 532 participants were included. The results indicated that hesperidin supplementation significantly reduced the serum levels of C-reactive protein or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (SMD: -0·43; 95 % CI -0·71, -0·15; 0·002) and TNF- (SMD: -0·51; 95 % CI -0·95, -0·07; 0·02) in adults, while no significant beneficial effect of hesperidin on IL-6 was observed (SMD: -0·25; 95 % CI -0·52, 0·01; 0·06). In addition, hesperidin intake showed a beneficial impact on the IL-6 level in patients with diseases (type 2 diabetes and myocardial infarction) (SMD: -0·38; 95 % CI -0·72, -0·04; = 0·03) yet not in healthy adults without diagnosed diseases. Our findings demonstrated that hesperidin supplementation could lower the serum levels of C-reactive protein or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and TNF- in adults.
Alignment of the planetary health diet with pregnancy dietary guidelines: insights from two cohorts.
Davis A, Callanan S, Corbett GA … +3 more , O'Brien EC, Douglass AP, McAuliffe FM
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41883254 · Publisher ↗
The planetary health diet (PHD) is a mostly plant-based diet that aims to optimise human health while minimising the environmental impact of food production. Limited data exist on whether the PHD fulfils key nutritional...
The planetary health diet (PHD) is a mostly plant-based diet that aims to optimise human health while minimising the environmental impact of food production. Limited data exist on whether the PHD fulfils key nutritional requirements during pregnancy. This research aimed to examine the PHD in early pregnancy and how it aligns with daily nutrient intake and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) dietary guidelines. Pregnant women ( 678) from two Irish cohorts (ROLO and MicrobeMom) were analysed, and PHD index (PHDI) scores were assigned based on data from 3-d food diaries. Women were dichotomised by the median score to create a 'High PHDI' (> 88·99) and a 'Low PHDI' group (≤ 88·99). Differences in nutrient intakes and adherence to dietary guidelines between 'High' and 'Low' PHDI groups were explored. Compared with those with a 'Low' score, those with a 'High' PHDI score reported higher intakes of dietary fibre (g/d) (17·32 (13·39, 21·08) . 21·74 (18·28, 25·88), < 0·001), Fe (mg/d) (10·48 (8·48, 12·82) . 12·06 (9·48, 14·60), < 0·001), folate (µg dietary folate equivalent per d) (250·73 (193·88, 312·45) . 279·57 (219·43, 356·81), < 0·001) and Ca (mg/d) (837·75 (695·36, 1056·72) . 956·57 (751·84, 1155·03), < 0·001). A greater proportion of women in the 'High PHDI' group met EFSA recommendations for dietary fibre intake (10·3 % . 28·9 %, < 0·001). The PHD may support maternal nutritional adequacy in pregnancy while promoting environmental sustainability. Our findings provide valuable insights that can inform future dietary recommendations for pregnancy, contributing to both maternal health and planetary well-being.
The consumption of a diet high in fat and fructose induces sex-specific alterations in the expression of key genes related to insulin synthesis, inflammation and apoptosis in the pancreatic -cells of rodents.
Sosa-Larios TC, Morales-Miranda A, Rodríguez-González GL … +9 more , Bautista CJ, Ramírez V, Díaz-Díaz E, Canto P, Vargas-Hernández L, Sierra-Ramírez JA, Morimoto S, Jaramillo-Flores ME, Reyes-Castro LA
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41883253 · Publisher ↗
High-energy, sugar-rich diets are associated with obesity and pancreatic disorders. We investigated the effects of consumption of a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFrD) on gene expression related to insulin synthesis,...
High-energy, sugar-rich diets are associated with obesity and pancreatic disorders. We investigated the effects of consumption of a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFrD) on gene expression related to insulin synthesis, inflammation and apoptosis in pancreatic -cells. Weaned Wistar rats were fed either a control diet (CD; 11 % kcal from fat and 0 % from fructose) or an HFFrD (48 % kcal from fat and 33 % from fructose) for 22 weeks; after a 6-h fast, animals were euthanised. Body weight and total fat were recorded. Serum analyses included: glucose, insulin, triacylglycerides (TAG), malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF, IL-6, IL-10 and advanced glycation end-products (AGE). Pancreatic islets were analysed for gene expression linked to insulin synthesis, inflammation and apoptosis. Pancreatic assessments included TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry. HFFrD increased body weight, total fat, MDA, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, AGE, TAG and IL-6 concentrations in both sexes. Gene expression revealed sex-dependent differences: and the transcription factor were downregulated in males but upregulated in females. expression increased in females, whereas increased in males. Pro-inflammatory markers () increased in both sexes, whereas decreased in males and increased in females. / ratio decreased in males but increased in females; antioxidant and apoptotic markers and increased in females. Endocannabinoid receptors (, ) increased in both sexes. HFFrD altered the expression of genes involved in insulin synthesis, inflammation and apoptosis in a sex-specific manner. Compared with males, females showed lower vulnerability, possibly because of adaptive responses in insulin synthesis signalling influenced by sex hormones.
Associations between ultra-processed food intake and bone mineral density in children and adolescents.
Liu J, Qiao X, Deng K … +5 more , Cheng F, Ma C, Li T, Martínez Steele E, Wang C
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41883251 · Publisher ↗
The consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) has been linked to bone metabolism in adults, but its impact on bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents remains unclear. This study analysed data from 4809 chi...
The consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) has been linked to bone metabolism in adults, but its impact on bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents remains unclear. This study analysed data from 4809 children and adolescents aged 8–19 years, drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. UPF intake was categorised according to the NOVA classification system, with the percentage of energy derived from UPF divided into quartiles (Q1–Q4). A weighted multiple linear regression model was used to examine the relationship between UPF intake and lumbar spine BMD (LSBMD) and subtotal BMD (SBMD). Stratified analyses were conducted to explore associations across various subgroups. The results indicated that UPF intake was positively associated with LSBMD. This association was significant in girls for both LSBMD and SBMD. Positive correlations with LSBMD also emerged in 12–15 years old and specific subgroups. Moreover, mediation analysis showed total cholesterol mediated 4·8 % of the UPF–LSBMD link, and HDL-cholesterol mediated 0·9 % of the UPF–SBMD one. These findings indicate that UPF intake is associated with increased BMD in children and adolescents. Future research should further investigate the complex effects of UPF on the health of this population.
Thyroglobulin as a proxy for iodine status in pregnancy.
Censi S, Messina G, Arcara G … +12 more , Ruggeri E, Clausi C, Piva I, Manso J, Basso D, Merante-Boschin I, Bertazza L, Barollo S, Marin L, Camilot M, Andrisani A, Mian C
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41881681 · Publisher ↗
Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones and essential for neurological development. To evaluate the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women residing in Veneto and the possible role of thyroglobulin (Tg) as a proxy....
Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones and essential for neurological development. To evaluate the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women residing in Veneto and the possible role of thyroglobulin (Tg) as a proxy. 528 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study and were asked to provide an early-morning spot urine sample (for UI/Creat) and a blood sample (for thyroid function and Tg). They also completed a questionnaire. Infant anthropometric data at birth were obtained. Median UI/Creat was 112·8 μg/g. 34·1 % of women had a UI/Creat ≥ 150 μg/g. Iodised salt (IS) was used by 76·9 % of women, iodine-containing supplements (ICS) by 74·2 % and cow's milk was regularly consumed by 46·0 %. At multivariable analysis, consumption of regular cow's milk and ICS were significant predictors of UI/Creat ≥ 150 μg/g (OR 1·57, 95 % CI: 1·06, 2·32 and OR: 2·83, 95 % CI: 1·66, 4·82, respectively). The median Tg value was lower among the iodine-sufficient than among the iodine-deficient women ( = 0·005). At multiple linear regression analysis, Tg was among the factors associated with weight ( = -81·83, < 0·001) and length ( = -0·3, < 0·01) at birth, although weakly. Tg was a factor associated with pre-term delivery (OR: 1·52, 95 % CI: 1·20, 1·92). Regular use of cow's milk and ICS is a factor associated with UI/Creat ≥ 150 μg/g. Tg was associated with iodine status and pregnancy outcomes, although it had only a modest discriminative ability for sufficiency.
Does inflammation explain the association between vitamin D and depression? Results of a cross-sectional study in children and adolescents.
Schlarbaum L, Jankovic N, Bühlmeier J … +9 more , Engler H, Hirtz R, Grasemann C, Peters T, Hinney A, Antel J, Hebebrand J, Föcker M, Libuda L
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41881679 · Publisher ↗
Vitamin D has been associated with depression, potentially via anti-inflammatory mechanisms, yet data are scarce, particularly in adolescence. We investigated (1) whether lower vitamin D status is associated with greater...
Vitamin D has been associated with depression, potentially via anti-inflammatory mechanisms, yet data are scarce, particularly in adolescence. We investigated (1) whether lower vitamin D status is associated with greater depression severity and (2) whether this association is statistically moderated by inflammation in patients of a child and adolescent psychiatry department. At admission, fasting morning venous blood was drawn. Serum vitamin D (25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol (25(OH)D)) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analysed in all participants ( 465 (64·7 %♀; 11·3-18·9 years)). In a subsample ( 177), we additionally measured tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-, interferon-gamma (IFN- and interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10. Depression severity was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) ( 450), the Diagnostic System for Mental Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence via self-assessment (DISYPS Self) ( 441) and parent-assessment (DISYPS Proxy) ( 422). Overall, 43·2 % ( 201) were at risk for vitamin D deficiency (< 30 nmol/l), and 73·5-83·2 % - depending on assessment tool - showed at least mild depression. Linear regression revealed an inverse association between 25(OH)D and BDI-II in both crude and CRP-adjusted full-sample models. Logistic regressions showed a robust inverse association between 25(OH)D and DISYPS Proxy, but not for DISYPS Self. Although 25(OH)D was inversely correlated with some pro-inflammatory markers, neither their inclusion in regression models nor formal mediation analyses supported inflammation as a mediator of the vitamin D-depression association. Overall, our results suggest that vitamin D relates modestly to both depression and inflammation in adolescence. However, based on the measured parameters, we cannot confirm that anti-inflammatory effects are the link between vitamin D and depression.
Association between SFA intake and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: mediating roles of insulin resistance and serum albumin.
Liu X, Men F
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41881676 · Publisher ↗
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. While total SFA intake has been linked to MASLD, the contribution of specific SFA and the mechanism underly...
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. While total SFA intake has been linked to MASLD, the contribution of specific SFA and the mechanism underlying the SFA-MASLD association remain unclear. This study evaluated the associations of individual SFA with MASLD and the mediating roles of insulin resistance (IR) and serum albumin. We used data from seven National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles (2005-2018) in a cross-sectional analysis. Associations between individual SFA and MASLD were estimated via logistic regression with restricted cubic splines (RCS). Weighted quantile sum (WQS) and quantile g-computation (QGC) models assessed the mixture associations. Mediation analysis evaluated the proportions of these associations accounted for by serum albumin and IR. Compared with the reference group, the highest tertile of intake was associated with increased odds of MASLD for C4:0 (OR = 1·12, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·25), C6:0 (OR = 1·15, 95 % CI 1·04, 1·28), C14:0 (OR = 1·20, 95 % CI 1·08, 1·33), C16:0 (OR = 1·24, 95 % CI 1·12, 1·38) and C18:0 (OR = 1·25, 95 % CI 1·12, 1·39). RCS models revealed largely linear dose-response relationships. Both WQS and QGC indicated a positive joint association of SFA with MASLD, with C16:0 identified as a major contributor. Among SFA significantly associated with MASLD, IR accounted for 30·0-47·4 % of the associations, while serum albumin accounted for 5·9-8·0 %. Higher intakes of short- and long-chain SFA, both individually and collectively, are associated with higher odds of MASLD. IR and serum albumin may partially explain these associations. These findings support the development of precision dietary strategies targeting specific SFA for MASLD prevention.
Associations of free and added sugars intakes with nutrient intake and food consumption in Swedish adolescents.
Wanselius J, Lindroos AK, Moraeus L … +3 more , Patterson E, Berg C, Larsson C
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879079 · Publisher ↗
A limited intake of free and added sugars is recommended due to potential associations with adverse health effects and nutrient inadequacy. However, the impact of free and added sugars intakes on dietary intake is unknow...
A limited intake of free and added sugars is recommended due to potential associations with adverse health effects and nutrient inadequacy. However, the impact of free and added sugars intakes on dietary intake is unknown in Swedish adolescents. This study investigated associations of free and added sugars intakes with nutrient and food consumption. Data were derived from the Riksmaten Adolescents 2016-2017 cross-sectional survey, including a nationally representative sample of 3099 adolescents, aged around 12, 15 and 18 years, which provided two 24-h recalls. Median nutrient and food group intakes were compared across sugars intake quintiles, with adjustments for sex, school year and energy misreporting. Inverse associations were observed for almost all micronutrients, dietary fibre, essential fats and food groups commonly included in a healthy diet (e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat, fish). However, positive associations between free sugars and vitamin C intake were observed, with fruit juice influencing intake trends. Total energy intake was not positively associated with free or added sugars intakes. Higher intakes of free and added sugars (> 12·9 and > 11·3 % of total energy intake) significantly reduced the likelihood of meeting nutrient reference values. However, for critical nutrients within the adolescent diet (vitamin D, Se, dietary fibre and polyunsaturated fats), lower odds of meeting reference values were observed even at lower intakes of free and added sugars. To conclude, with increasing sugars intake, Swedish adolescents appear to displace nutrient-dense foods with sugars-rich foods, emphasising differences in dietary patterns between those with lower . higher free and added sugars intake.
An overview of the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition's assessments and recommendations on processed foods and sweeteners.
Allen RE, Cullum A, Lovegrove JA … +3 more , Sabry-Grant C, Young IS, UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879074 · Publisher ↗
This paper summarises the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition's (SACN) 2023 and 2025 assessments of processed foods and health and its 2025 review of the WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS). On processe...
This paper summarises the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition's (SACN) 2023 and 2025 assessments of processed foods and health and its 2025 review of the WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS). On processed foods, SACN sought to identify available evidence on existing processed food classification systems, applying NOVA to UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey data and associations between food processing and health outcomes. For NSS, health outcomes of greatest policy relevance to the UK were considered. The assessments were undertaken in line with SACN's Framework for the evaluation of evidence. SACN found that NOVA dominated the research literature and ultra-processed food (UPF) constitutes a significant proportion of UK dietary energy intake, especially among children. Higher UPF consumption was consistently associated with increased risks of adverse health outcomes, although not for all subgroups. Important limitations included most evidence being observational and inconsistent adjustment for covariables. For NSS, randomised controlled trials indicate a small reduction in body weight when NSS replace sugars, whereas prospective cohort studies indicate higher NSS intake is associated with higher measures of body fatness and may be associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. The findings were based on low- and/or very low-certainty evidence. SACN concluded that, on balance, most people are likely to benefit from reducing consumption of processed foods high in energy, saturated fat, salt and free sugars and low in fibre. SACN made a precautionary recommendation that intake of NSS be minimised. SACN made a range of recommendations to the government on processed foods and sweeteners.
Association between dietary advanced glycation end products and sarcopenia: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018.
Zhang W, Liu D, Zhang M … +3 more , Yuan S, Qin L, Wan Z
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879073 · Publisher ↗
To investigate the association between dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGE) and sarcopenia in USA adults. A total of 7590 participants aged 20-59 years were included in this study using data from the National H...
To investigate the association between dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGE) and sarcopenia in USA adults. A total of 7590 participants aged 20-59 years were included in this study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018. Dietary AGE intake was assessed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem MS-based AGE database combined with 24-h dietary recall. Sarcopenia was assessed by appendicular lean BMI (ALMI). Linear regression was used to examine the association between dAGE and ALMI. Logistic regression was adopted to examine the association between total and food-derived AGE with the prevalence of sarcopenia. The mediating role of bone mineral density (BMD) and serum 25 (OH) D on the association between dAGE and ALMI was also explored. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 7·26 %. Compared with the low intake tertile (T1), the OR for sarcopenia among participants in the high tertile (T3) of dAGE, (1-carboxyethyl) lysine and Nδ-(5-hydro-5-methyl-4-imidazolon-2-yl)-ornithine intake was 1·66 (95 % CI: 1·05, 2·64; = 0·031), 1·56 (95 % CI: 1·01, 2·40; trend = 0·042) and 1·60 (95 % CI: 1·03, 2·48; = 0·033), respectively. Meat and baked foods derived AGE showed significant associations with the prevalence of sarcopenia. Mediation analysis demonstrated that 14·75% and 12·95 % of the association between dAGE and ALMI were mediated by the BMD and serum 25 (OH) D, respectively. In the USA adult population, dietary AGE were positively associated with sarcopenia, particularly in meat and baked foods, with BMD and serum 25 (OH) D partially mediating this association.
Food-based healthy diet metrics, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance in Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adults Health (ELSA-Brasil): a prospective study of over 12 000 Brazilians.
Norde MM, Bensenor IM, Cacau LT … +9 more , Deitchler M, Bromage S, Vasques AC, de Carvalho AM, Marchioni DML, Velloso LA, Giovannucci E, Lotufo PA, Geloneze B
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879072 · Full text
The Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS), the Global Dietary Recommendations score (GDR), Nova ultra-processed foods score and Minimum Diet Diversity for Women were listed by the UN as promising food-based metrics to track d...
The Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS), the Global Dietary Recommendations score (GDR), Nova ultra-processed foods score and Minimum Diet Diversity for Women were listed by the UN as promising food-based metrics to track dietary quality. The aim was to evaluate those diet metrics performances for monitoring diet-related type 2 diabetes risk and insulin resistance in comparison with the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). The study included 12 254 participants (56 % women; 35–74 years) of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adults Health (ELSA-Brasil) with available dietary, biochemical, socio-demographic and lifestyle data. Diet quality scores were derived from a validated FFQ covering the previous 12 months. Incident diabetes and changes in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) over time were evaluated, and mediation by BMI was assessed. After an average 8·2 years follow-up period (17 % attrition; 10 191), with 1-standard deviation increase in GDQS, GDR and AHEI, a 5 %, 6 % and 7 % decrease in incident diabetes was observed with BMI mediation effect of 39·6 %, 74·8 % and 59·4 %, respectively ( < 0·001 for all the analysis). HOMA-IR increase rate over time was higher in the lower quintile of GDQS ( = 0·002) and GDR ( < 0·001), compared with the upper quintile. As AHEI, GDR and GDQS had similar performances in monitoring diet-related type 2 diabetes risk, food-based metrics, such as the GDR and the GDQS, can be advantageous in lower resources settings and in nations where there is no food composition data availability.
Short- and longer-term impact of a school breakfast programme on nutrition knowledge, breakfast nutrient intake and short-term memory of schoolchildren aged 9-11 years: results of the GESIT study in Indonesia.
Rachman PH, Briawan D, Alfiah E … +7 more , Syah MNH, Nurdiani R, Oktaviani WW, Rialdi AP, Hidayah YS, Schöningh E, Hagendoorn AL
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879071 · Publisher ↗
Inadequate breakfast consumption among schoolchildren affects cognitive function, academic performance and health, highlighting the need for school-based nutrition interventions. This study evaluates the short- and longe...
Inadequate breakfast consumption among schoolchildren affects cognitive function, academic performance and health, highlighting the need for school-based nutrition interventions. This study evaluates the short- and longer-term impact of the GESIT ( or Nutritious Breakfast for Excellence Campaign) school breakfast programme on nutrition knowledge, breakfast nutrient intake and short-term memory among elementary students aged 9–11 years in Bogor, Indonesia. A pre-post quasi-experimental design was used across three groups: breakfast intervention with education (BreakfastEdu group), nutrition education only (Education group) and a Control group. Longer-term evaluation occurred 3 months post-intervention. Subjects were grade 4–5 students ( 212). The intervention lasted 20 school days. Data were collected on socio-economic characteristics, breakfast nutrient intake, nutrition knowledge and short-term memory. Short-term impacts showed the highest nutrition knowledge improvements in the BreakfastEdu ( < 0·001) and Education groups ( < 0·001). Energy, protein, total fat, vitamins A, B, B, C, D, Ca, Fe, Zn, potassium, PUFA, -linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) intake increased in the BreakfastEdu group ( < 0·05) from baseline to endline. Significant differences from baseline to endline between groups were observed for these nutrients, except for protein, Fe, Zn, PUFA, ALA and LA intake. Short-term memory scores improved only in the BreakfastEdu group ( = 0·01). Initial intervention gains diminished after 3 months without reinforcement. mixed-effect sensitivity analysis attenuated significance when school-level clustering was taken into consideration. The GESIT programme enhanced short-term breakfast nutrient intake in the BreakfastEdu group. While nutrition knowledge and memory improved within intervention groups, long-term impact was not sustained. Future programmes should incorporate continuous education and school policy support to maintain results.
Culturally acceptable fermented grain may improve gut health in South African postpartum mothers in a randomised trial.
Happel AU, Strobel KM, Jona O … +10 more , Fredericks J, Kullin B, Perumaul B, Rakiep A, Senekal M, Malczyk S, Nel JH, Fagan-Endres MA, Passmore JS, Jaspan HB
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879065 · Full text
Optimising nutrition during lactation is critical for the mother and infant. The relationship between fermented food consumption and the mother's gut microbiota and nutritional and inflammation status is unknown. Mageu i...
Optimising nutrition during lactation is critical for the mother and infant. The relationship between fermented food consumption and the mother's gut microbiota and nutritional and inflammation status is unknown. Mageu is a fermented grain commonly consumed in Southern Africa. We randomised South African mothers to consume a live-culture mageu, pasteurised store-bought mageu or no mageu from 4 to 10 weeks postpartum. Clinical and dietary data, stool microbiota and nutritional and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed until week 15. Plant protein intake was higher among mageu users than non-users. Live-culture mageu increased gut -diversity from weeks 4 to 10. Circulating ferritin was lower among live-culture mageu users at week 10 compared with non-users. In systems analyses, mageu intake was associated with distinct bacterial, inflammatory and nutritional signatures, primarily driven by interleukin (IL)-6, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor and . These results suggest that mageu has benefits for lactating mothers' gut health and, therefore, possibly their infants.
Effects of a 1-h cycling trial on post-exercise plasma metabolomics after 2-week supplementation with dairy products-based, high-flavonoid exercise recovery drink: a randomised controlled crossover trial.
Kung S, Kim Y, Bressel E … +2 more , Lefevre M, Ward RE
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879062 · Publisher ↗
Fruit-derived flavonoids may enhance exercise performance and/or improve recovery due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Evidence in humans suggests that supplementation with about 300 mg of flavonoid...
Fruit-derived flavonoids may enhance exercise performance and/or improve recovery due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Evidence in humans suggests that supplementation with about 300 mg of flavonoids before exercise may affect exercise performance and recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma metabolomic response to a 1-h cycling trial after twelve participants had consumed either a high or low dairy milk-based flavonoid (490 or 5 mg) pre-workout beverage for 15 d. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was used, and subjects completed a submaximal cycling trial (45 m 70 % VO max, 15 m time trial). Plasma was collected before and after the exercise trial and at 1-h and 4-h post-exercise. No statistically significant difference was observed ( = 0·051), but a small effect size ( = 0·16) suggests a marginal trend towards increased power output during cycling with the treatment. Plasma samples were extracted, derivatised and subjected to GC-MS-based metabolomics analysis. Sixty-two metabolites were measured, of which forty-two were identified, and twenty are unknowns. A two-way repeated ANOVA with log-transformed and auto-scaled values indicated that 56 of the 62 features were significantly different with respect to time, but no significant treatment effects or treatment-by-time interactions were observed. Using the Euclidean distance measure and Ward clustering algorithm, a heatmap was generated that divided the metabolite response into eight groups and sixteen subgroups. Metabolites (carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids) changed to varying degrees in response to exercise, suggesting that multiple fuel substrate pathways were activated throughout exercise and recovery.
Association of source-specific nitrate intake with inflammation and cardiometabolic health: a cross-sectional study.
English CJ, Bondonno CP, Zhong L … +3 more , Lohning AE, Bondonno NP, Reidlinger DP
Br J Nutr · 2026 Mar · PMID 41879051 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to explore whether health effects of dietary nitrate depend on its source, by investigating associations between plant and animal-sourced dietary nitrate groups with markers of inflammation and CVD risk...
This study aimed to explore whether health effects of dietary nitrate depend on its source, by investigating associations between plant and animal-sourced dietary nitrate groups with markers of inflammation and CVD risk factors. Among 100 non-smoking adults (mean age 49 (sd 13) years, 31 % male), dietary nitrate intake was assessed using FFQ ( 100) and 3-d food diary ( 89), combined with nitrate food composition databases. Nitrate intake was classified into plant, naturally occurring animal and additive-permitted meat-sourced groups. Associations between source-dependent nitrate intakes and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA), C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting plasma lipids, anthropometry and blood pressure were examined using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle and dietary confounders. Each 1 sd (∼57 mg/d) increment in plant-sourced nitrate intake was associated with a 0·191 sd lower LDL-cholesterol ( = -0·191, 95 % CI (-0·369, -0·004), = 0·045; equivalent to -0·21 mmol/l) in primary models, though this association was attenuated in sensitivity analyses. Naturally occurring animal-sourced nitrate intake was not associated with any outcomes. A 1 sd (0·08 mg/d) increment in additive-permitted meat-sourced nitrate intake was associated with a 0·208 sd lower HDL-cholesterol ( = -0·208, (-0·362, -0·054), = 0·009; equivalent to -0·10 mmol/l) and a 0·192 sd higher waist circumference ( = 0·192, (0·005, 0·380), = 0·042; equivalent to +1·29 cm) but not with LDL-cholesterol, TAG, blood pressure, Lp-PLA or CRP. These preliminary findings suggest potential differential associations between nitrate source and cardiometabolic markers that warrant confirmation in larger studies.
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