Meal Composition Research Articles

Behind bars: Evaluating the nutritional landscape — A review of dietary patterns provided in correctional facilities

The quality of nutrition in correctional facilities plays a crucial role in the health of incarcerated individuals. This review investigates dietary patterns within these institutions, examining their nutritional adequacy and compliance with established guidelines. The review aims to assess the nutritional content of meals provided in correctional settings and their impact on inmate health. A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing studies that evaluate meal composition, adherence to nutritional standards, and associated health outcomes for inmates. Data was synthesized from diverse correctional facilities to highlight common trends and disparities. Findings reveal pervasive nutritional deficiencies across correctional facilities. Many meals lack adequate fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, relying heavily on processed foods high in sodium and sugar. Such imbalances can lead to significant health issues, including obesity, hypertension, and metabolic disorders among the incarcerated population. The review also highlights disparities based on facility types, geographic locations, and budgetary constraints, which influence the nutritional quality of meals. Addressing the nutritional deficiencies in correctional facilities is imperative for improving inmate health and facilitating rehabilitation. Implementing comprehensive meal planning, increasing access to fresh produce, and ensuring adherence to nutritional standards can enhance the dietary landscape in these settings. Future research should focus on effective interventions and policies aimed at improving nutritional offerings to support the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals.

Nutrient composition of meals served to adult inpatients in public hospitals in North West, South Africa

Nutrient composition of meals served to adult inpatients in public hospitals in North West, South Africa

Comparative Nutritional Profile of Publicly Procured Foods for School Meals in Federal Schools in Northeastern Brazil Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic.

To evaluate the impact of legislative measures and regulations implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional composition of school meals provided by federal high schools in Rio Grande do Norte, located in northeastern Brazil. It also compared the composition and origin of foods procured before and after the pandemic. This is a longitudinal observational panel study conducted across 20 federal schools. Procurement documents from 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2021 (post-pandemic) were analyzed to assess changes in the nutritional profile of procured foods. Post-pandemic, the procurement of natural and minimally processed and processed foods increased, representing 73.39% and 10.34%, respectively, of the total approved foods. There was also a 39% reduction in ultra-processed foods compared to 2019, in addition to a reduction in culinary ingredients. Additionally, the proportion of foods containing excessive levels of critical nutrients declined. A significant shift was observed in the origin of procured foods, with a notable increase in the purchase of locally sourced items. The findings indicate a positive shift in the nutritional quality of foods procured after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a decrease in ultra-processed food purchases and an increase in the procurement of natural and minimally processed options. Nonetheless, the continued presence of ultra-processed foods and items with excessive critical nutrients highlights the need for further improvements in public procurement practices to fully align with nutritional guidelines.

Nutritional enrichment from Bali sardinella (Sardinella lemuru) head meal in fish crackers as emergency food

Various natural disasters occur frequently in Indonesia, such as heavy floods, tornadoes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis, which disrupt access to the facilities and infrastructure necessary for clothing and food needs. Emergency food is an essential alternative for victims of natural disasters because of its long shelf-life and high nutritional content. Crackers are classified as emergency foods because of their ease of transport and extended storage period. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal concentration of Bali sardinella head flour based on the nutritional characteristics of fish crackers as a food source. The method used was a completely randomized design with five treatments varying with the addition of Bali sardinella head meal: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a color reader for color analysis. The best results were in 5% of Bali sardinella head flour in fish crackers by proximate analysis with protein, lipid, moisture, ash, and carbohydrate was 4.93±0.46bc, 12.81±0.25d, 11.43±0.59b, 5.19±0.59b, 65.64±0.99a, for dietary fiber was 4.03±0.01b, color properties consist of Lightness (L) 58.15±0.07d, A 11.00±0.00, B 27.15±0.07. This study provides valuable insights into the nutritional composition of Bali sardinella head meal in fish crackers.

Amino Acid and Essential Fatty Acid in Evacuation Shelter Food in the Noto Peninsula Earthquake: Comparison with the 2024 Simultaneous National Survey in Japan.

On 1 January 2024, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula. We entered the disaster area to provide relief and set up a makeshift clinic in an evacuation center to evaluate the quality and quantity of food provided there. This cross-sectional study, of mainly older adults, was conducted to analyze the amino acid and fatty acid composition of evacuation shelter meals in comparison with the results of the Japan National Survey, mainly focused on older adults. (1) We analyzed 11 evacuation foods using the "Duplicated Combination" Model and the digestible amino acid score (DIAAS) in relation to the half-life determined by the N-terminal amino acid proteins. (2) Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels were compared with European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations (3). The national survey of emergency food stocks in 198 hospitals and 189 social care institutions conducted in Jan 2024 was analyzed. (1) DIAAS was less than 1.00 for all 11 foods provided and was considered inadequate, (2) the half-life of the protein, whose N-terminal valine has a half-life of 100 h, must be considered a possible deficiency when living in a shelter for more than a week, (3) LA and ALA levels were less than 40% of EFSA recommended, (4) the nationwide survey found that 80% of people have a three-day supply and data on amino acids and fatty acids were not available due to a lack of questionnaires. Analysis of food in evacuation shelters after the Noto Peninsula earthquake revealed the quality of amino acids involved in shelter meals using DIAAS and the lack of LA and ALA for older adults. The "Duplicated Combination" model used in this analysis could be beneficial for developing improved nutrition plans in similar future scenarios, mainly for older adults.

Dietary Recommendations for the Management of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients Treated with GLP-1 Receptor Agonist.

GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) have been developed to address the global burden of obesity and are renowned for their safety and efficacy. These medications influence hunger and satiety, reducing energy intake and promoting weight loss. Despite their benefits, GLP-1RAmay cause a slowed gastric emptying, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. This study examines how food properties and meal composition affect these symptoms. Dietary recommendations are provided, particularly for evening meals, focusing on how different foods and nutrients can influence the rate of gastric emptying, to improve patient compliance and prevent interruption in weight loss.

Are healthy diets also sustainable? Experimental study using a Fake Food Buffet

Interventions to promote healthy and sustainable diets are urgently needed to curb growing obesity rates and greenhouse gas emissions. To date, little is known about consumers' awareness of the co-benefits of healthy and sustainable diets. Studies furthermore lack a global perspective. This study therefore aimed (1) to compare the composition of sustainable, healthy, and typical meals using an experimental Fake Food Buffet (FFB) study and (2) to compare sustainable diet knowledge and perceptions between individuals who grow up in Global North and Global South countries. The experiment used a 3 Meal Type x 2 Region mixed design. Participants (N = 74), of which half grew up in the Global North and South, respectively, were asked to self-serve three meals (typical, healthy, sustainable) from the FFB and to complete the Food Sustainability Knowledge Questionnaire (FSKQ). Sustainable meals contained more vegetables, grains, legumes, and plant-based protein (Fs[2, 144] ≥ 4.26, ps ≤ .016), and less red meat, animal-based protein, and sugar than healthy or typical meals (Fs[2, 144] ≥ 11.77 ps ≤ .001). FSKQ scores did not differ between regions (W[71.82] = 0.58, p = .564). However, participants from the Global North self-served more vegetables, grains, and plant-based protein from the FFB compared to participants from the Global South (Fs[2, 72] ≥ 4.89 ps ≤ .003). Many people are not fully aware of the substantial overlap of healthy and sustainable diets. Furthermore, culture influences food choices and thus needs to be considered when designing and implementing dietary interventions on a global scale.

The use of population pharmacokinetics to extrapolate food effects from human adults and beagle dogs to the pediatric population illustrated with ibuprofen as a case

Oral drug administration is the most convenient route of administration in the pediatric population. However, children are often not fasted when drugs are orally administered, hence potential food-drug interactions might occur. Most of these interactions are extrapolated from studies performed in human adults where a recommended high-fat, high-calorie meal is administered prior to drug dosing. As the recommended protocols are based on studies in support of adult drug development, these studies do not mimic the meal composition administered to the pediatric population, especially the very young ones, which renders food-drug interactions in this population understudied. Therefore, it was evaluated to what extent population pharmacokinetics could reliably extrapolate food effects from human adults and beagle dogs to mimic the real-life situation in the pediatric population. Eight human adults and six beagle dogs received ibuprofen under different dosing conditions (fasted, reference meal fed condition, infant formula fed condition). Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to derive the pharmacokinetic parameters to be scaled to pediatric ages. For both species, a one-compartment model best described the data, where in human adults a dual-input function to capture the double absorption peak significantly improved the model fit. Simulations for a virtual pediatric population demonstrated that the predictive ability of human adults and beagle dogs to inform absorption effects under different dosing conditions using population pharmacokinetic modeling appeared to be reasonable. However, to be able to fully validate the predictability of both species for ibuprofen, additional studies in the pediatric population are required to generate more informative data.

Evaluation of the Chemical Composition and Feeding Value of Sweet Orange Pulp and Pineapple Peel Meals as Fibre Sources in Pigs’ Rations

The piggery industry in Nigeria is on the verge of collapsing due to the high cost of conventional feed resources including wheat offal and palm kernel cake that usually form bulk in the diets of pigs. This study was, therefore, designed to compare the chemical composition of orange pulp meal, pineapple peel meal, and wheat offal and evaluate their feeding value in pig rations. The orange pulp and pineapple peels were dried on a concrete floor and analyzed for chemical composition. Three experimental diets were formulated with orange pulp and pineapple peel meals replacing wheat offal as a fibre source. Thirty crossbred (Chester white x Landrace) growing pigs with an average initial weight of 8.20 -- 8.75kg were distributed into three groups, with ten animals per group, and assigned to the three experimental diets. The average daily feed intake and weight gain were monitored throughout the 56-day duration of the experiment. Seven days to the end of the experiment, three pigs randomly selected for the digestibility trial were individually housed in metabolism crates and allowed 5 days of adaptation to the crates and feed before faecal collection commenced. Animals were fed the experimental diets at approximately 4% of their body weight, and the faeces of the animals were collected for 5 days. The determination of the nutrient composition of feed and faecal samples was performed. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using a completely randomized design. The result indicated that samples were significantly (P<0.05) different in crude protein composition, with the wheat offal having the highest value corresponding to 9.21 ± 0.12%. Orange pulp had the highest content of ash (6.72 ± 0.12%). The gross energy values were 15.23MJ/kg, 15.31MJ/kg and 16.15MJ/kg for pineapple peel, orange pulp and wheat offal, respectively. The highest manganese concentration was observed in wheat offal (5.19± 0.11mg/l), while orange pulp and wheat offal were higher in sodium and phosphorus concentrations. The pigs fed an orange pulp meal diet recorded the highest average daily weight gain (0.31 kg) and a superior feed conversion ratio (4.19) relative to others. Digestibility values were similar across the three treatment groups. It was, therefore, concluded that orange pulp and pineapple peal meal could serve as alternative fibre sources in growing pigs' rations. Key words: Wheat offal, pineapple peel, orange pulp, growing pigs, digestibility

Chrononutrition and Mental Health: Exploring Links Between Eating Patterns Circadian Rhythms and Psychological Well-being

This study investigates the relationship between chrononutrition—timing and patterns of food intake—and mental health, focusing on how circadian rhythms influence psychological well-being. Using a qualitative approach, this literature review synthesizes recent research exploring the connections between eating patterns, biological rhythms, and mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and overall mood stability. Findings indicate that irregular eating times, late-night meals, and skipping meals disrupt circadian alignment, potentially leading to mood dysregulation and decreased psychological resilience. Conversely, eating in sync with the body’s natural circadian rhythms appears to support mental health, with regular meal timing shown to enhance mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. The review also highlights the importance of specific nutrients in promoting stable circadian cycles, suggesting that diets rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and certain vitamins may aid in stabilizing mood. These findings underscore the need for an integrative approach to nutrition and mental health that considers both the timing and composition of meals. This review provides valuable insights into the emerging field of chrononutrition, emphasizing the potential of circadian-aligned eating as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for mental health. Further qualitative studies are recommended to explore individualized chrononutrition interventions and their effects on mental well-being across diverse populations.

Growth conditions but not the variety, affect the yield, seed oil and meal protein of camelina under Mediterranean conditions

European agriculture policies emphasize the importance of agricultural sustainability, focusing on increase of biodiversity through crop diversification. In Mediterranean dryland cropping systems, the introduction of crops in rotation with cereals is challenged by scarce precipitation and high evapotranspiration. In this scenario, camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), a low-input annual oleaginous crop with a high morphological plasticity, short life cycle, and interesting oil and meal composition, could be an option to be included in rotation with winter cereals. The aim of this experiment was to study the agronomic performance, and seed oil and meal protein contents of camelina in two different climatic conditions, with a sowing delay in one of them. Several trials were conducted in Montargull (Mediterranean semihumid) and in Lleida (Mediterranean semiarid) in two seasons (2020–21 and 2021–22). In Montargull, two sowing dates (November, SD1 and January, SD2) were established. In each growing condition, three spring camelina varieties were sown (Calena, CO46 and GP204). Camelina was harvested between May and July, and yield and harvest index were measured. After cold pressing the seeds, seed oil and meal protein contents were analysed. Camelina yield and quality was not related to the variety, but to two climatic scenarios: 1) a favourable rainfall distribution without important drought periods (2020–21); 2) significant rainfalls in November and April, but with a drought period in between (2021–22). In the first situation, camelina production ranged from 1533 to 2187 kg ha−1, with high seed oil (40.4–41.4 %) and meal protein (41.0–44.8 %) contents. In the second situation, the yield decreased to 242–661 kg ha−1, seed oil content to 31.0–34.7 %, and meal protein content to 37.6–40.4 %. Despite these seasonal differences, SD1 in Montargull obtained higher average yields and protein content than in Lleida and in SD2. In contrast, in Lleida and in SD2 in Montargull camelina produced higher oil content. The implementation of camelina into Mediterranean dryland crop rotation systems is feasible. Considering the importance of moisture in these climatic conditions, the use of no-till practices is recommended in dryland fields to avoid excessive water loss, while the use of camelina in irrigated fields could be explored. However, more long-term agronomic and industrial research is still needed.

Consumer perceptions towards five popular alternative proteins. A systematic review across Western and Eastern countries

Alternative proteins provide a better way to feed the world(1) and have great potential to support the United Nations’ sustainable development goals in ending hunger, promoting sustainable energy use, protecting the climate, and promoting good health(2). However, consumers’ acceptance of alternative proteins is much lower than that of conventional meat(3). With the alternative protein market consistently growing since 2021(4), it is essential to summarise and update factors affecting consumer acceptance of alternative proteins to inform relevant organisations such as the government and support industry development. Using a systematic review, this study aimed to understand and compare consumers’ acceptance of five popular alternative proteins (algae, pulses, plant-based alternative proteins, insects, and cultured meat) and identify research trends and essential factors influencing consumption of alternative protein foods. Specifically, the study compared familiarity and external factors in consumer acceptance.Building upon an existing systematic which included studies published by 2020, five electronic databases were searched. This review followed PRISMA guidelines, covering Western and Eastern countries, and articles published between June 2020 and March 2023. A total of 112 articles from 40 countries were included. Following the innovation-decision process framework, factors between alternative protein types, products, and psychological and external variables are compared, and changes over time are identified.Italy (n = 15), China (n = 13) and the United Kingdom (n = 12) were the top 3 in publication numbers. Surveys (n = 95) were the most used method in the studies. Insects (n = 41) and cultured meat (n = 21) were the most popular. The findings reveal that consumers show moderate acceptance of alternative proteins, but a relatively higher acceptance of food products made with these proteins. Tastiness emerged as the top concern in alternative protein consumption, highlighting the importance of sensory appeal. Environmental benefits plus health beliefs also played a significant role in consumer acceptance. Interventions to illustrate food safety and quality variables correlated to a higher willingness to consume alternative proteins. Food neophobia and diet showed distinguished value in consumer acceptance level. Participants who had experienced eating insects showed significant differences in food neophobia scores, subjective norms, attitudes, and intentions. Meal composition and trust in the chef increased consumers’ willingness to consume. Many studies focused on developing alternative protein food products and determining their appropriateness for consumption in different contexts. Consuming alternative proteins with family or friends with positive emotions was more acceptable to consumers.Consumers’ different acceptance levels and critical factors of alternative protein consumption illustrated the essentials of focusing more on consumer categorisation. The fast expansion of the global alternative protein market and accelerated study output call for building a more complete standardised management and information supply system.

Effect of fluorite tailings on clinker with different chemical modulus: A case study in rotary kiln processing

The rational use of fluorite tailings in cement kilns is an effective method for enhancing their value-added utilization. In this study, the effect of fluorite tailings on the mineral composition of raw meals with different chemical modulus was investigated. It was found that the f-CaO content in clinker increased as the lime saturation ratio (KH), silica modulus (SM) and alumina modulus (IM) of the raw meals rose. The C3S diffraction peak intensity was observed to weaken with higher IM. Fluorite tailings were shown to have a significant effect on raw meals with high KH and IM values, while their impact on clinker mineral phases with varying SM was comparatively minor. Industrial trials demonstrated that the addition of fluorite tailings enhanced the 28 days clinker strength by 2.3 MPa and reduced f-CaO content by 0.27 %. In addition, the X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed further that F was doping into the clinker mineral phase. The findings of this study strongly support the promotion of fluorite tailings technology to enhance the quality of cement clinker.

The Effect of High Protein-High Fat and High Protein-High Carbohydrate Meals on Resting Metabolic Rate and Metabolic Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults: The Study Protocol for a Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

Background: The macronutrient composition of daily meals plays a crucial role in influencing the body's metabolic responses during the postprandial phase. However, existing research on the effects of macronutrients, particularly fats and carbohydrates, has produced inconsistent findings. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the postprandial effects of two high-protein meals—one low in fat and high in carbohydrates (HP-LF-HC) and the other high in fat and low in carbohydrates (HP-HF-LC)—on energy metabolism, appetite response, and blood markers in overweight and obese men and women without underlying health conditions. Methods: This study was conducted as an acute randomized crossover clinical trial at the Health Monitoring Center of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) within Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. A total of 30 overweight and obese men and women, meeting the eligibility criteria and free of underlying diseases, were recruited through a public call. Participants were randomly assigned to receive both intervention meals, with a washout period of at least one week between each trial. Results: The primary outcomes focused on the acute effects of the two dietary interventions on energy metabolism, particularly resting metabolic rate (RMR), and appetite response. Secondary outcomes included changes in lipid profiles, insulin, blood glucose levels, thyroid hormones, and epinephrine. Conclusions: This study aims to identify which macronutrient composition most effectively enhances resting energy expenditure. The findings could provide valuable insights for dietitians in developing more efficient dietary plans, helping overweight and obese individuals maintain an ideal weight or achieve weight loss by modifying food composition without altering meal volume.

Partial or complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal improves feed efficiency in laying hens between 22 to 30 weeks of age

Abstract The European Commission recently authorised the inclusion of insect meal in poultry feed. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF) has comparable nutritional value to soybean meal (SBM) and higher calcium content, making it an attractive alternative protein source for laying hens While a few studies have explored this objective, inconsistent results have been reported, likely due to variations in hen age, breed, husbandry systems, and sunflower meal composition across studies, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions. We hypothesised that partial or complete replacement of SBM with BSF has no adverse effects on egg production and quality in laying hens at the initiation of laying (22-30 weeks of age). This study consisted of three dietary treatments and nine replicates per treatment. Diets were a control diet, and two diets containing 5% (BSF5%) and 10% (BSF10%). The experimental unit was a pen (100 × 200 × 200 cm) of 14 Brown Nick laying hens resembling an aviary setting. We found that complete replacement of SBM with BSF10% in the diet of laying hens improved feed efficiency attributed to a lower feed intake in comparison to laying hens fed the BSF5% or the control diets, while production performance, body weight, and egg quality were maintained and the colour of the egg yolk increased. Therefore, replacing SBM with up to 10% BSF in brown laying hens in aviary pens at the initiation of laying had no adverse effects on production performance, chemical and physical characteristics, and sensory attributes of eggs. Maintaining production and egg quality with a lower intake of nutrients requires further investigation.

HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS TO VARIED CONCENTRATIONS OF BITTER LEAF (Vernonla anygdalina) EXTRACT IN DRINKING WATER

The study investigated the effects of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) extract in drinking water on the blood profiles of broiler chickens. A total of 150-day-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated to five treatments of bitter leaf extract, viz; 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 ml per litre of drinking water. There were thirty birds per treatment, and each treatment had three replicates. Data were collected on proximate composition of bitter leaf meal, commercial feeds fed and haematological and serum indices. Results indicated significant differences (p<0.05) in haematological parameters across treatments, with higher PCV of 28.33% observed in 90 ml/L. Haemoglobin was higher (p<0.05) in birds given 90 ml/L (9.67g/dl). RBC count ranged from 2.22 to 2.48 x1012/L, with the highest count observed in 120 ml/L. MCV values ranged from 39.17 to 39.29pg, with 30 ml/L showing the highest value. MCH and MCHC were highest in 30 ml/L at 39.29pg and 33.41%, respectively. WBC count ranged from 209.00 to 224.43 x109/L across treatments. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found in total protein, albumin, and globulin levels across treatments. However, AST and ALT levels showed increasing trends with higher concentrations of bitter leaf extract, reaching 59.00µ/dl and 10.50µ/dl, respectively, in birds on 120 ml/L. It was concluded that, bitter leaf extract influenced haematological parameters positively. However, 90ml/L is recommended for broiler chickens for optimum benefits.

Fasting as an intervention to alter the impact of simulated night-shift work on glucose metabolism in healthy adults: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Aims/hypothesisNight-shift work causes circadian misalignment and impairs glucose metabolism. We hypothesise that food intake during night shifts may contribute to this phenomenon.MethodsThis open-label, multi-arm, single-site, parallel-group controlled trial involved a 6 day stay at the University of South Australia’s sleep laboratory (Adelaide, SA, Australia). Healthy, non-shift-working adults without obesity (N=55; age 24.5 ± 4.8 years; BMI 24.8 ± 2.8 kg/m2) were assigned to the next available run date and cluster randomised (1:1:1) to fasting-at-night (N=20), snack-at-night (N=17), or meal-at-night (N=18) conditions. One participant withdrew from each group, prior to starting the study. Due to study design, neither participants nor people collecting their measurements could be blinded. Statistical and laboratory staff were concealed to study allocation. Participants were fed at calculated energy balance, with the macronutrient composition of meals being similar across conditions. The primary outcomes were a linear mixed-effects model of glucose, insulin and NEFA AUC in response to a 75 g OGTT that was conducted prior to and after 4 consecutive nights of shift work plus 1 night of recovery sleep. Insulin sensitivity, insulinogenic and disposition indexes were also calculated.ResultsNight-shift work impaired insulin sensitivity, as measured by insulin AUC (p=0.035) and the insulin sensitivity index (p=0.016) across all conditions. Insulin secretion, as measured by the insulinogenic index, was increased in the fasting-at-night condition only (p=0.030), resulting in a day×condition interaction in glucose AUC (p<0.001) such that glucose tolerance was impaired in the meal-at night (+2.00 [95% CI 1.45, 2.56], p<0.001) and snack at-night (+0.96 [0.36, 1.56], p=0.022) conditions vs the fasting-at-night (+0.34 [–0.21, 0.89]) condition. A day×condition interaction was also observed in NEFA AUC (p<0.001), being higher in the meal-at-night (+0.07 [0.03, 0.10]. p=0.001) and snack-at-night (0.01 [–0.03, 0.05], p=0.045) conditions vs the fasting-at-night condition (–0.02 [–0.06, 0.01]). No adverse events occurred.Conclusions/interpretationThe timing of food intake has a critical effect on glucose metabolism during simulated night-shift work, which was readily amendable to a meal re-timing intervention.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12616001556437FundingThis work was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), APP1099077.Graphical

Dietary Protein in a Challenge Meal Does Not Alleviate Postprandial Impairments in Vascular Endothelial Function in Healthy Older Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk: A Randomized Crossover-Controlled Trial

BackgroundPostprandial vascular endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of atherosclerosis. Meal protein has been reported to reduce endothelial dysfunction in adults, and the effect could be mediated by the amino acid content. ObjectivesThis trial aims to assess the effect of a specifically designed plant-protein blend that contains high leucine, arginine, and cysteine on postprandial endothelial function in the elderly. MethodsIn a randomized, double-blind, 3-period crossover (2-wk washout), controlled trial, we compared the vascular effects of 3 high-saturated-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) meals containing either our specific plant-protein blend, or milk protein, or without added protein. The trial was conducted on 29 healthy adults aged >65 y presenting ≥2 cardiometabolic risk factors. Postprandial vascular function was evaluated at fasting, 3 h, and 5 h postprandially, using brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), hand microvascular reactivity (using Flowmetry Laser Doppler, FLD), and finger reactive hyperemia index (using Peripheral Arterial Tonometry, RHI). Immune cell count and gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also assessed postprandially. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models with repeated measurements on participants for meal composition and time of sampling. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04923555. ResultsFMD incremental AUC value decreased after meals (time effect P < 0.01), with no significant differences between meals. RHI also decreased with time (P < 0.01). PBMC count and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1), IL-1β, and IL-6 expression increased after meals showing postprandial endothelial activation (P < 0.05). Overall, meal composition had no effect on any of the postprandial changes (Ps>0.10). ConclusionsIn healthy adults aged >65 y presenting cardiometabolic risk, adding protein to an HFHS challenge meal does not mitigate postprandial impairments in vascular endothelial function and inflammatory activation. Further studies are needed to explore the potential differences with younger adults.

Improved macronutrient composition of meals delivered to people with diabetes in hospital: a pre-post, mixed-methods observational study.

Providing meals which meet diverse needs of hospital inpatients is complex, contributing to challenges in optimising glycaemia. We developed menus that improved the appropriateness of macronutrient composition of meals for inpatients with diabetes. Qualitative feedback from patients and healthcare professionals prompted the implementation of two new menus: 'diabetes lifestyle' and 'diabetes high energy'. Quantitative nutrition analysis of meals provided to inpatients using new menus was compared to the regular menu. Qualitative surveys were repeated after the implementation of the new menus. Nutrition analysis demonstrated that meals ordered from the diabetes lifestyle menu (mean energy: 7.85 MJ) comprised less total fat (71 vs. 74 vs. 64 g, p < 0.001), saturated fat (34 vs. 36 vs. 31 g, p < 0.001), carbohydrate (246 vs. 249 vs. 217 g, p < 0.001) and sugar (125 vs. 121 vs. 102 g, p < 0.001) compared to the regular (mean energy: 8.46 MJ) and diabetes high energy menus (mean energy: 8.70 MJ). Meals ordered from the diabetes lifestyle menu provided greater protein (91 g) than the regular (85 g) and diabetes high energy (88 g) menus (p < 0.001) and equivalent fibre (33 vs. 31 vs. 33 g, respectively). After implementation of the new menus, more patients reported that meals met their nutritional needs (19 [95%] vs. 14 [70%], p = 0.04), and more healthcare professionals reported menus for inpatients with diabetes were appropriate (16 [100%] vs. 11 [41%], p < 0.001). Using the diabetes lifestyle menu improved the macronutrient composition of meals for inpatients with diabetes not at risk of malnutrition.

Effect of Solid-state Fermentation on Proximate Composition of Rice Bran Meal

Fish farming is often faced with high feed cost comprising approximately 60 to75% of total production costs; these causes decrease in profit margin for the fish farmers. An attempt to upsurge the profit is to minimize the cost of feed as minimal as possible. One way to do this is to explore local feed ingredients that could be used as an alternatives for fish feed. Consequently, farmers use locally available fish feed ingredients including agricultural by-products. These feed ingredients have led to increased pond productivity due to their nutrients constituent and bio-availability. This study evaluate the effect of solid state fermentation on proximate compositions of fermented rice bran meal. Rice bran was collected in three different containers, ground into powder, then sieved and fermented using solid state fermentation procedure. Each sample was solidly fermented at 10% moisture and keep in fermenter at ambient temperature for 24 hours (1 day), 96 hours (4 days), and 168 hours (7 days). Afterward, the fermented samples were oven dried for one hour at 100oC. The fermented samples were taken to the laboratory for proximate analysis. The results obtained from the study shows that, fermenting rice bran for seven days (168hrs) increases the crude protein from 10.53±1.27 to 15.07±1.43 and reduction in crude fibre from 10.74±062 to 7.87±1.71. This study revealed that, solid state fermentation of rice bran meal for one to seven days improved the crude protein and reduces crude fibre and the fermented bran meal can be incorporated as an essential part of the fish feed.