Consumption Of Butter Research Articles

Relationship with Nut Consumption for Breakfast and Postprandial Glucose, Insulin, Triglyceride Responses: A Preliminary Study from Türkiye.

This study aimed to determine the effect of adding nuts to a regular breakfast on blood glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels, and to evaluate participants' opinions by sex as a preliminary study for future studies. Data and biochemical parameters were collected through face-to-face interviews with Acibadem Hospital employees (n = 12) between April and September 2023. Participants consumed 30 g of nut-supplemented breakfasts for 4 weeks while maintaining their regular lifestyle. Blood tests and visual analog scale (VAS) parameters were assessed on intervention days. VAS scores indicated differences in meal taste, post-breakfast well-being, satiety, and meal adequacy, and for "feeling better after breakfast", and "providing better satiety", were significantly higher for the nut-supplemented breakfasts (p < 0.05), especially walnut-supplemented. Under the control of age, sex, and BMI variables in the participants, women responded better to peanut butter consumption than men in terms of blood insulin and triglyceride regulation (p < 0.05). However, triglyceride regulation in men was better managed by walnut consumption than in women. Understanding how nut-supplemented breakfasts impact blood glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels, as well as consumer perceptions, is crucial for promoting healthier dietary choices.

8631 Tanycytic TSHR Activation Regulates Blood-Hypothalamus Barrier Plasticity, Ingestive Behavior, Adipose Remodeling, and Body Weight

Abstract Disclosure: L. Cullen: None. H.S. Kannangara: None. R. Witztum: None. J. Burgess: None. S. Miyashita: None. A. Gumerova: None. F. Korkmaz: None. S.L. Sims: None. U. Cheliadinova: None. G. Pevnev: None. O. Moldavski: None. O. Barak: None. S. Rojekar: None. V. Laurencin: None. T. Frolinger: None. T. Yuen: None. K. Goosens: None. W. Zhou: None. V. Ryu: None. M. Zaidi: None. The notion that TSH acts solely on its primary endocrine target, the thyroid gland, has long been challenged (Abe et al., 2003; PMID: 14567913). More recently, however, we and others have used single transcript technology to document, for the first time, Tshr expression in over 173 brain regions and nuclei, particularly hypothalamic tanycytes (eLife, 2022, PMID: 36052994). The latter cells are known to convey metabolic information across the blood-hypothalamus barrier (BHB) and regulate energy homeostasis. To study whether tanycytic TSHRs have a role in the regulation of BHB permeability, ingestive behavior, adipose tissue remodeling and body weight, we first compared BHB vascular permeability of food-deprived and ad libitum-fed Tshr+/- mice and their wild type (WT) littermates. Transmission electron microscopy and immunostaining was used to study the expression of the constitutive tight junction protein claudin-1 and the glycoprotein MECA-32, which are expressed in tanycytes and endothelial cells, respectively. In loss-of-function studies, fasting of Tshr+/- mice and of WT mice significantly increased the organization of tanycytic honeycomb pattern of claudin-1 and MECA-32-associated fenestral diaphragms in the median eminence and arcuate nucleus, suggesting decreased BHB permeability. As a result, peanut butter consumption following fasting was decreased significantly compared to control mice. In gain-of-function studies, intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of a highly specific TSHR agonist, MS438, profoundly increased BHB permeability in fasted mice, as evidenced by decreased claudin-1 and MECA-32 immunostaining and significant increases in peanut butter consumption. This was associated with greater loss of fat mass and body weight following food deprivation, as well as increased influx of fatty acids across the BHB, increased NPY expression (as a measure of increased appetite), and increased secretion of ghrelin from the stomach fundus. We further performed c-Fos immunostaining in brain centers regulating ingestive behavior. ICV MS438 significantly decreased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, arcuate nucleus and the nucleus of the solitary tract. Early studies using CRSIPR/Cas9 to delete Tshrs in tanycytes via ICV injection resulted in reduced body weight following food deprivation. Finally, using PRV152 (injected into fat tissue) and PRV614 (injected into stomach fundus), we colocalized immunostaining in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, and hindbrain raphe pallidus. Collectively, these data establish a new role for tanycytic TSHRs in regulating BHB plasticity, ingestive behavior, adipose tissue remodeling, and body weight through a novel fast-forward circuit involving the hypothalamus, stomach fundus and fat depots. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Effects of Migration on Nutritional Habits: From Turkey to Germany.

Dietary habits are influenced by environmental factors. Among these environmental factors are the place of residence, cultural characteristics, food accessibility, and economic status, which can all contribute to changes in the dietary pattern. Migration is another factor that can influence changes in the aspects mentioned above. We aimed to assess the dietary habits of individuals who have migrated from Turkey to Germany in comparison to those living in Turkey. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 254 individuals were enrolled with 102 individuals in Germany and 152 individuals in Turkey between April 2022 and July 2023. The data collection tools included Socio-demographic Characteristics Forms, Dietary Habits and Health Status Forms, and Food Consumption Frequency Forms. The data was collected online via Google Forms. There were statistically significant differences in the consumption frequency of processed meats, meat and poultry, sweetened beverages, sugar, desserts and pastries, vegetables, fruits, eggs and grains, olive oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, grains, dairy products, coffee, starch, and carbonated beverages between the two groups (P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were not found in terms of butter and tea consumption frequency. Overall, the study results have revealed significant differences in dietary habits between Turks living in Germany and those living in Turkey. The most noteworthy dimension of these differences is that individuals living in Turkey exhibit a stronger adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, while those living in Germany tend to follow a Western dietary pattern.

Biomonitoring and determinants of mycotoxin exposures from pregnancy until post-lactation in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women from Harare, Zimbabwe

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) heavily affects women from resource-limited settings who are vulnerable to potentially harmful mycotoxins including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisin B1 (FB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). We aimed to conduct biomonitoring and ascertain the determinants of maternal mycotoxin exposure in pregnancy, lactation and post-lactation periods. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women from Harare, Zimbabwe. 175 and 125 random urine samples in pregnancy and 24 months after delivery (post-lactation) respectively were analysed for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and FB1 by ELISA. 6 weeks after delivery (lactation), 226 and 262 breast milk (BM) samples were analysed for AFM1 and OTA respectively by ELISA. The association of demographics and food consumption with mycotoxins was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. In HIV-infected, urinary AFM1 was detected in 46/94 (Median: 0.05; Range: 0.04–0.46 ng mL−1) in pregnancy and 47/66 (Median: 0.05; Range: 0.04–1.01 ng mL−1) post-lactation. Urinary FB1 was detected in 86/94 (Median: 1.39; Range: 0.17–6.02 ng mL−1) in pregnancy and 56/66 (Median: 0.72; Range: 0.20–3.81 ng mL−1) post-lactation. BM AFM1 was detected in 28/110 (Median: 7.24; Range: 5.96–29.80 pg mL−1) and OTA in 11/129 (Median: 0.20; Range: 0.14–0.65 ng mL−1). In HIV-uninfected, urinary AFM1 was detected in 48/81 (Median: 0.05; Range: 0.04–1.06 ng mL−1) in pregnancy and 41/59 (Median: 0.05; Range: 0.04–0.52 ng mL−1) post-lactation. Urinary FB1 was detected in 74/81 (Median: 1.15; Range: 0.17–6.16 ng mL−1) in pregnancy and 55/59 (Median: 0.96; Range: 0.20–2.82 ng mL−1) post-lactation. BM AFM1 was detected in 38/116 (Median: 7.70; Range: 6.07–31.75 pg mL−1) and OTA in 4/133 (Median: 0.24; Range: 0.18–0.83 ng mL−1). Location, wealth, and peanut butter consumption were determinants of AFB1 exposure. HIV infection, BMI, location, rainy season, unemployment, and age were determinants of FB1 exposure. Women especially those pregnant and/or HIV-infected are at risk of adverse effects of mycotoxins.

Adherence to Mediterranean diet and prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancer: a single-center Unit of Thyroid Surgery experience in a Southern-Italy cohort.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recognized as a cultural heritage by UNESCO, thus, is a nutritional model widely spread in all Mediterranean countries. As already demonstrated by several studies, high adherence to MD is a protective factor against many chronic diseases. Conversely, poor adherence to the diet is correlated with an increased prevalence of these pathologies. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between the adherence to MD and the prevalence of benign and malignant thyroid disease. We analyzed the health status of 60 patients, referred to total thyroidectomy and histological examination, due to nodular thyroid disease. Eating habits were evaluated according to the PREDIMED questionnaire, and patients' results were evaluated according to histological findings of benign or malignant disease. PREDIMED Score was lower in patients with malignant thyroid disease (MTD) than those with benign thyroid disease (BTD) (5.27±0.87 vs. 7.00±1.23, respectively; P value <0.001). A significant correlation was found between poor adherence to MD and diagnosis of MTD (r=0.454; P<0.001). Excessive consumption of butter and sugary drinks, along with low consumption of pasta, white meat, and rice were found to be predictive factors of MTD. In our cohort, a PREDIMED Score ≤7 resulted significantly related to MTD diagnosis, while a good adherence to MD resulted associated with BTD. Moreover, high consumption of sweetened beverages seemed to predict MTD histologic diagnosis, while, conversely, low consumption resulted predictor of BTD. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to evaluate the effective impact of MD on MTD incidence on larger cohorts.

Impact of dietary, lifestyle and sociodemographic factors on calcitonin levels in a healthy population

Calcitonin (CT), a hormone secreted by thyroid parafollicular C cells, plays a role in calcium homeostasis and bone health. Understanding the relationship between CT levels and dietary, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors is essential for public health and hormonal balance studies. This study encompassed 3323 healthy participants from the Croatian biobank. We utilized principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce food items into dietary patterns. Regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between CT levels and data collected through questionnaires, accounting for age and sex. CT levels exhibited sex-specific differences, with higher values observed in males. Positive associations were found between CT levels and age, body mass index (BMI), as well as weekly consumption of white and red wine mixed with water. While height and sternal notch-finger length initially correlated positively with CT levels, this relationship reversed upon adjusting for age and sex. Regarding sport activities, CT levels were significantly increased in non-participants compared to occasional sport participants (p = 0.043). Dietary factors yielded intriguing findings, with frequent consumption of butter, animal fat and veal associated with lower CT levels, while higher CT levels were associated with the frequent consumption of white fish, blue fish, pasta, and rice. However, no significant correlation was found between CT levels and bone mineral density (BMD), weight, or body surface area (BSA). This study highlights the complex interplay of dietary, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors influencing CT levels. These findings suggest that a broad range of factors should be considered in hormonal balance studies, underlining their potential implications for public health.

Dietary and serum antioxidant capacity is inversely associated with patients in osteoarthritis: a case-control study

This study aimed to examine dietary antioxidant and serum antioxidant capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This case-control study consisted of 47 patients with OA (case group) and 30 healthy subjects (control group). The control and case group were matched age, gender, and body mass index (p > 0.05). A food frequency questionnaire was administered to participants, and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) was estimated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power method (FRAP). Participants’ serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant capacity (TOC) measurements were performed, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. DTAC of case group was found to be lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The daily consumption of red meat and butter of the individuals in the case group was higher than that of the control group, and their fish consumption, dietary vitamin A and carotene intakes were found to be lower (p < 0.05). In addition, OA patients have TAC and OSI was also found to be significantly higher than in control group (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001). Since low dietary total antioxidant capacity and high serum total oxidant capacity, individuals with OA should pay more attention to their diet to increase serum antioxidant status.

Maternal Dietary Intakes and Risk of Spontaneous Abortion: A Systematic Review

Background: The loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy is known as spontaneous abortion (SA). Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the results of previous studies about the dietary intake of mothers who suffered from SA. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search in the Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus databases to collect relevant published studies between 1990 and November 2022. The data from case-control and cohort studies that had assessed dietary intakes before and during pregnancy of women with SA were included. Results: High consumption of butter increases the risk of SA, but a very low intake of olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of SA. In addition, an adequate intake of high-quality proteins and calcium from dairy products and enough intake of fiber and phytochemicals from chocolate, fresh fruits, and vegetables can reduce the risk of SA. A number of mechanisms, such as providing essential nutrients for fertilization and implantation, promoting fetal growth, reduction of inflammatory conditions, and insulin resistance, have been proposed to explain the protective effects of these food groups against SA. Conclusion: An unhealthy diet and eating sufficient amounts of these food groups will be helpful and recommended.

From cocoa waste to sustainable bioink: valorising pectin for circular economy-driven tissue engineering

Cocoa bean production, a cornerstone of many developing economies, currently adheres to a linear economic model, giving rise to sustainability concerns. The expansion of cocoa butter and liquor consumption has resulted in the increased generation of residual biomass, constituting 60–70 % of fresh fruit. The absence of management plans for this biomass in cocoa-producing countries poses a risk of phytosanitary issues. This study proposed a circular economy approach by valorising cocoa pod husk-derived pectin for tissue engineering. The study optimised an alkaline-based protocol to extract pectin from cocoa pod husk, resulting in ∼ 20 % yield with a ∼ 47 % degree of esterification. Methacrylation transformed extracted pectin into pectin methacrylate (PECMA), confirmed by FTIR-ATR and NMR analyses. PECMA hydrogels, crosslinked with CaCO3 and UV, exhibited rapid gelation and superior water uptake properties. SEM revealed distinct morphological differences with UV exposure, showing improved interconnectivity and anisotropic porosity while the mechanical testing demonstrated enhanced compressive modulus and rheological properties with UV crosslinking. PECMA-based bioink encapsulated chondrocytes, maintaining cell viability over 6 days. This innovative bioink, derived from cocoa waste, holds promise for sustainable tissue engineering applications.

P1102 Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern in patients with Crohn's disease in remission is associated with lower fecal calprotectin levels

Abstract Background The Mediterranean Diet (MD) was recently found to be beneficial for Crohn’s Disease CD patients in various stages of the disease. The MD emphasizes the intake of foods that are fiber-rich and high in polyphenols, along with avoidance of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and a low intake of red meat. Previous data show that these dietary patterns could promote gut health and mucosal healing. However, little is known about the overall adherence to the MD and its association with biochemical activity in CD patients in remission. Therefore, we aimed to assess overall adherence to the MD and to investigate the association between adherence to the MD and fecal calprotectin (FC) levels in patients with CD in clinical remission and fecal biochemical inactivity. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients with CD in clinical remission [Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI)&amp;lt;5] and fecal biochemical inactivity (FC &amp;lt;250µg/g). FC levels of ≤150µg/g was further categorized as significant biochemical inactivity. Patients were assessed for their medical status, clinical and biochemical disease activity, and nutritional intake by using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The Israeli Mediterranean dietary screener (I-MEDAS) was used to assess adherence to the MD. A positive score for each food component was assigned when a specific cut-off criterion was met. For overall adherence to the MD, the median score of the study sample was used as a cut-off for the classification of “adherence” or “non-adherence”. Results A total of 88 patients were included in this analysis. A high proportion of patients qualified for a positive score for low consumption of butter and margarine (96.6%), salty snacks (94.3%), and savory pastries (83.0%), while a low proportion of patients qualified for a positive score for high intake of whole grains (8.0%), fish (20.9%), fruit (9.1%), and legumes (28.4%) (Figure 1). Twenty-nine patients (32.9%) were adherent to the MD. This group of patients had higher rates of significant biochemical inactivity (i.e., FC≤150µg/g), compared to non-adherent patients (96.6% vs. 79.7% respectively, p=0.036) and lower occurrence of soft/liquid stool (p=0.044). Furthermore, low intake of savory pastries and red/processed meat was associated with significant biochemical inactivity [p=0.026 and p=0.020, respectively. Conclusion Overall adherence to the MD among patients with CD in clinical remission and biochemical inactivity is relatively low, with a low intake of beneficial food groups on one hand, and a low intake of UPF on the other hand. Adherence to the MD was associated with lower FC levels. Future studies should examine the long-term effects of the MD on the maintenance of clinical and biochemical remission.

Plasma Metabolites Related to the Consumption of Different Types of Dairy Products and Their Association with New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: Analyses in the Fenland and EPIC-Norfolk Studies, United Kingdom.

To identify metabolites associated with habitual dairy consumption and investigate their associations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. Metabolomics assays were conducted in the Fenland (n = 10,281) and EPIC-Norfolk (n = 1,440) studies. Using 82 metabolites assessed in both studies, we developed metabolite scores to classify self-reported consumption of milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, and total dairy (Fenland Study-discovery set; n = 6035). Internal and external validity of the scores was evaluated (Fenland-validation set, n = 4246; EPIC-Norfolk, n = 1440). The study assessed associations between each metabolite score and T2D incidence in EPIC-Norfolk (n = 641 cases; 16,350 person-years). The scores classified low and high consumers for all dairy types with internal validity, and milk, butter, and total dairy with external validity. The scores were further associated with lower incident T2D: hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) per standard deviation: milk 0.71 (0.65, 0.77); butter 0.62 (0.57, 0.68); total dairy 0.66 (0.60, 0.72). These associations persisted after adjustment for known dairy-fat biomarkers. Metabolite scores identified habitual consumers of milk, butter, and total dairy products, and were associated with lower T2D risk. These findings hold promise for identifying objective indicators of the physiological response to dairy consumption.

Association between Butter, Margarine, and Olive Oil Intake and Asthma Symptoms among School Children: Result from a Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study.

There are conflicting results about the association between dietary fat intake and asthma symptoms. Since few studies in the Middle East have been explored the relation between dietary fat consumption and risk of asthma, the present study was conducted to investigate the association between the consumption of butter, margarine, and olive oil and asthma risk in school children living in central Iran. In this cross-sectional study, out of 10,240 participants, asthma and its symptoms and dietary intake of butter, margarine, and olive oil of 7,667 children and adolescents were assessed using a validated International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. The relationship between fat subtypes and asthma was assessed using logistic regression. The prevalence of asthma confirmed by a doctor in the study population was 4.22%. An inverse association was found between butter and margarine consumption once or twice a week and odds of current asthma and wheezing in the past 12 months (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28-0.96; OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.55-0.88, respectively); however, those with higher consumption did not have a higher chance for developing wheezing or asthma. We found that margarine and butter intake one or two times a week might have an inverse association with asthma and its symptoms among children. Prospective cohort studies are recommended to confirm these findings.

Burgers, Fast Foods, and Increased Associated Risk for Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dietary Habits among Young Chinese Adults in Singapore/Malaysia

Background: We see increasing evidence that dietary and nutrients factors play a pivotal role in allergic diseases and recent global findings suggest that dietary habits influence the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Frequent consumption of fast food diets is associated with AD development. Despite the rising prevalence of AD in Asia, efforts in investigating the role of dietary habits and AD in adults are still lacking. Methods: We evaluated the association between the dietary intake of 16 food types and AD manifestations using our Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) population. Dietary habits profiles of 11,494 young Chinese adults (1,550 AD cases/2,978 non-atopic controls/6,386 atopic controls) were assessed by an investigator-administered questionnaire. AD cases were further evaluated for their chronicity (550 chronic) and severity (628 moderate-to-severe). Additionally, we derived a novel food index, Quality of Diet based on Glycaemic Index Score (QDGIS), to examine the association between dietary intake of glycaemic index (GI) and various AD phenotypes. Results: The majority of AD subjects are distributed in the good (37.1%) and moderate (36.2%) QDGIS classes. From the multivariable analyses for age and gender, a moderate QDGIS class was significantly associated with a lower odds of AD (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.844; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.719–0.991; p < 0.05) and moderate-to-severe AD (AOR: 0.839; 95% CI: 0.714–0.985; p < 0.05). A good QDGIS class was only significantly associated with a lower odds of chronic AD (AOR: 0.769; 95% CI: 0.606–0.976; p < 0.05). Among high GI foods, frequent consumption of burgers/fast food was strongly associated with an increased risk of chronic and moderate-to-severe AD. Among low GI foods, increased intake frequencies of fruits, vegetables, and pulses decreased the odds of AD. Finally, we identified significant associations between frequent seafood, margarine, butter, and pasta consumption with an increased odds of AD despite them having little GI values. Conclusion: While genetic components are well-established in their risks associated with increased AD prevalence, there is still a lack of a focus epidemiology study associating dietary influence with AD. Based on the first allergic epidemiology study conducted here in Singapore and Malaysia, it laid the groundwork to guide potential dietary interventions from changing personal dietary habits.

Consumption of peanut products enhances the production of microbial phenolic metabolites related with memory and stress response: Results from the ARISTOTLE trial

Based on evidence demonstrating that gut microbiota can metabolize dietary polyphenols to more readily absorbable phenolic acids, this study aimed to evaluate the association of urinary microbial phenolic metabolites (MPMs) related to peanut intake with memory function and stress response. A total of 63 healthy young adults from a randomized controlled trial completed the intervention, consuming 25 g of skin roasted peanuts, 32 g of peanut butter, or 32 g of a control butter daily for six months. Cognition and mood were assessed using validated tests. Urinary cortisol was quantified by an enzymatic method and MPMs were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Lignans and hydroxybenzoic acids with significantly higher post-intervention levels were correlated with improved cognition and mood in peanut product consumers. These findings suggest that peanut and peanut butter consumption may contribute to the production of MPMs involved in the improvement of memory.

The association between dietary pattern and visceral adiposity index, triglyceride-glucose index, inflammation, and body composition among Iranian overweight and obese women

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns, derived through latent class analysis (LCA), with visceral adiposity index (VAI), Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG), inflammation biomarkers, and body composition in overweight and obese Iranian women. For this cross-sectional study, dietary exposure was assessed using a validated 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary patterns were derived through LCA. Binary logistic was performed to test the associations of dietary patterns with VAI, TyG, inflammation biomarkers, and body composition. Health centers in Tehran, Iran. 376 obese and overweight women, aged > 18 years. Two dietary patterns were identified using LCA modeling: healthy and unhealthy. Women in the unhealthy class were characterized by higher consumption of fast food, sweetened beverages, grains, unhealthy oils, butter and margarine, and snacks. Compared with the healthy class, the unhealthy class was associated with an increased risk of higher fasting blood sugar (FBS) (OR = 6.07; 95% CI: 1.33–27.74, P value = 0.02), c-reactive protein (CRP) (OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.05–2.80; P value = 0.02), and lower fat free mass index (FFMI) (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.35–0.88, P value = 0.01), after adjusting for confounders. We found that adherence to an unhealthy dietary pattern was associated with decreased FFMI and increased FBS and CRP using LCA, but not with the rest of the variables. Further studies should be conducted to confirm the veracity of these findings.

The Association Between a Mediterranean Diet and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Low adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) has been shown to be associated with a higher prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but its association with IBS symptoms is not established. We aim to assess the association between MD and IBS symptoms, identify components of MD associated with IBS symptoms, and determine if a symptom-modified MD is associated with changes in the gut microbiome. One hundred and six Rome+IBS and 108 health control participants completed diet history and gastrointestinal symptom questionnaires. Adherence to MD was measured using Alternate Mediterranean Diet and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Sparse partial least squares analysis identified MD food items associated with IBS symptoms. Stool samples were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and microbial composition analysis in IBS subjects. Alternate Mediterranean Diet and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener scores were similar between IBS and health control subjects and did not correlate with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System, abdominal pain, or bloating. Among IBS participants, a higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, sugar, and butter was associated with a greater severity of IBS symptoms. Multivariate analysis identified several MD foods to be associated with increased IBS symptoms. A higher adherence to symptom-modified MD was associated with a lower abundance of potentially harmful Faecalitalea, Streptococcus, and Intestinibacter, and higher abundance of potentially beneficial Holdemanella from the Firmicutes phylum. A standard MD was not associated with IBS symptom severity, although certain MD foods were associated with increased IBS symptoms. Our study suggests that standard MD may not be suitable for all patients with IBS and likely needs to be personalized in those with increased symptoms.

Anxiety, anhedonia, and related food consumption in Israelis populations:An online cross-sectional study two years since the outbreak of COVID-19

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted daily life. Beyond severe health and economic consequences, psychological consequences have surfaced that require in-depth research to understand the pandemic's effects on mental health. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the association between anxiety levels and anhedonia with food consumption patterns and changes in body weight over the two years since the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel. MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized non-randomized sampling through an online survey that included 741 study participants aged 18 to 94. participants were asked to complete the Beck's Anxiety Questionnaire, the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale for Anhedonia Measurement, the Mediterranean Nutrition Questionnaire, and self-reports of body weight and serving size changes. ResultsThose who reported severe anxiety and anhedonia reported the highest intake of fats, sugars, and carbohydrates and the highest weight gain (e.g., Butter and cream food: severe anxiety (M = 1.342, SEM = 0.217); low anxiety (M = 0.682, SEM = 0.042), Sweet pastries: severe anxiety (M = 4.078, SEM = 0.451); low anxiety (M = 3.175, SEM = 0.436)). Anhedonic participants consumed more sweetened beverages (M = 0.987, SEM = 0.013) than hedonic participants (M = 0.472, SEM = 0.231). Among participants that gained weight, severe anxiety participants consumed significantly more salty pastries (M = 2.263, SEM = 0.550) than those with low anxiety (M = 1.096, SEM = 0.107; p = .003). A significant interaction was found between weight, anxiety, and consuming salty pastries. High anxiety subjects and weight gain declared the highest intake of this food (p = .018); Significant interactions were found between those with severe anxiety and anhedonia, who reported the highest consumption of butter and cream (p = .005) and salty pastries (p = .021). Significant associations were found between weight and anhedonia and weight and anxiety levels (p = .000, p = .006 – respectively). ConclusionsThe outbreak of COVID-19 and its long-term presence strengthen the negative psychological aspects and increase the consumption of foods high in fat and sugar. Further attention to nutritional health is needed since crises may occur, and we must be prepared to prevent adverse consequences.

A pilot trial guiding development and investigating feasibility and usability as well as preliminary effectiveness of the PROTEIN application: personalized nutrition for healthy living

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation project. Background Appropriate nutrition and physical activity (PA) are essential for the management of a large number of non-communicable diseases. Nonetheless, our lifestyle is characterized by an irregular and often poorly balanced dietary pattern and insufficient PA. Purpose The digital health application PROTEIN, which was developed within the framework of H2020 Research and Innovation project PROTEIN, aims to engage people in a healthy, nutritionally sound and active life. To obtain information on the acceptability, usability, and feasibility as well as preliminary effectiveness, pilot trials are being conducted in various countries. Results from these pilots aim to guide the further development of personalized nutrition applications. Methods A prospective pilot study was implemented between May-October 2022. Participant attitudes and beliefs about their diet and PA were assessed by means of the readiness to change questionnaire. Their habits, including smoking, diet (MEDAS), alcohol consumption, (AUDIT) and PA (IPAQ) were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. The usability and feasibility were evaluated by the System Usability (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). A general profile of the participants was assessed, as well as their attitudes and beliefs around their lifestyle. Results Fifty participants were included (women, n=30), 27 of them being overweight or diagnosed with obesity and 23 patients with CVD. On average, age was 49.9 years (19-76) and BMI was 32.3 (16.7–45.3). 40.4% of the participants believed they were PA enough, 42.9% thought they were not. 74% were motivated to become more active. Almost half of the patients (47.6%) were convinced already enjoying a healthy diet, 33.3% were not sure and 19.1% reported they were not. The majority (81%) were motivated to eat healthier. Results from MEDAS show an increase in the intake of vegetables, fruit, legumes and nuts. A decrease was observed in the consumption of meat, butter and candy. (Table 1) 70% reported being highly active at baseline, 21% and 9% reported being medium and low active respectively. Of the patients filling in all the questionnaires (n=25), 20% reported an increase in PA, 70% maintained their PA level and 8% reported a decrease. Results from the SUS showed that most of the participants found the app orderly (64%), attractive (63%) and congenial (76%). However, participants reported to find the app unnecessarily complex (60%), counterintuitive (48%) or cumbersome (68%). Conclusion Participants were motivated to change their lifestyle towards a healthier one. Despite this, a drop-out rate of 41.8% was observed. Users that completed the intervention experienced a positive effect on the maintenance or progress of their PA or diet-behaviour. Currently, it seems that the PROTEIN application is too complex to be user-friendly. There is need to adjust the functionality of the app according to the feedback from users to ensure an optimal impact on their lifestyles.

The effect of perceived weight status and BMI perception on food attitudes and food relationships.

Obesity has been a national epidemic throughout the United States due to the increasingly sedentary western lifestyle, paired with calorically dense abundant low-nutritional food options. Discussing weight necessitates the conversation of not only the numerical value (body mass index [BMI]) associated with obesity but also the perceived weight or how an individual categorizes their weight, irrespective of their calculated BMI classification. Perceived weight can influence food relationships, overall health, and lifestyle habits. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and food attitudes among three groups: those correctly identifying as "obese" with a BMI >30 (BMI Corrects [BCs]), those incorrectly identifying as "obese" with a BMI <30 (BMI Low Incorrect [BLI]), and those incorrectly identifying as "nonobese" with a BMI >30 (BMI High Incorrect [BHI]). An online cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to July 2021. Participants (n=104) responded to a 58-item questionnaire regarding demographics (n=9), health information (n=8), lifestyle habits (n=7), dietary habits (n=28), and food attitudes (n=6). Frequency counts and percentages were tabulated, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) testing was conducted to examine the associations utilizing SPSS V28 at a statistical significance level of p<0.05. Participants incorrectly identifying as "obese" with a BMI <30 (BLI) had higher food attitude scores, indicating worse food attitudes, behaviors, and relationships with food compared to participants correctly identifying as "obese" with a BMI >30 (BC) and incorrectly identifying as "non-obese" with a BMI >30 (BHI). When comparing BC, BLI, and BHI participants, no statistically significant differences were found in dietary habit scores, lifestyle habit scores, weight change, or nutritional supplement or diet started. However, overall, BLI participants had worse food attitude scores and consumption habits when compared to BC and BHI participants. Even though dietary habit scores were not significant, an examination of specific food items revealed significant findings, in which BLI participants had higher consumption of potato chips/snacks, milk, and olive oil/sunflower oil, compared to BHI participants. BLI participants had higher beer and wine consumption compared to BC participants. Additionally, BLI participants had higher carbonated beverages, low-calorie beverages, and margarine and butter consumption compared to BHI and BC participants. BHI participants had the lowest hard liquor consumption, BC had the second lowest hard liquor consumption, and BLI participants had the highest consumption of hard liquor products. The findings of this study have shed light on the intricate relationship that exists between perceived weight status from a "nonobese/obese" perspective and attitudes toward food and the overconsumption of particular food items. Participants who perceived their weight status as "obese" despite having a calculated BMI below the CDC threshold and classification for "obesity" had poorer relationships with food, consumption behaviors, and on average consumed food items that were detrimental to overall health. Comprehending a patient's weight status perception and conducting a thorough history of their food intake could play a crucial role in addressing the patient's overall health and medically managing this population.

Risk of Childhood Obesity in Children With High Birth Weight in a Rural Cohort of Northern India

To compare the risk of early childhood obesity (BMI z-score of ³+2SD) among children of more than 7 years of age with a birth weight of more than 3500 g to a birth weight of 2500-2999 g. Retrospective birth cohort study among children of 7 to 10 years of age in 22 villages of Himachal Pradesh with not-exposed (birth weight: 2500 to 2999 g) and exposed (> 3500 g) group. A total of 379 and 377 participants were enrolled in not-exposed and exposed group, respectively. Adjusted relative risk (aRR) between exposed and high BMI (>+2SD) was 4.9 (95%CI: 1.3-17.5) adjusted for mean age, gender, mean years of schooling, consumption of butter, fruits, vegetables, and indoor playing. High birth weight (>3500 g) increases and normal birth weight decreases the risk of childhood obesity up to five times in rural India.