Contemporary Diet Research Articles

A follow-up geospatial analysis and probabilistic human health risk assessment of methylmercury in fish in Eeyou Istchee (Québec, Canada)

The Cree Peoples of the Eeyou Istchee territory (northern Québec, Canada) rely on fish as a part of their traditional and contemporary diet. Fish is a culturally significant food and a source of nutrients, but it is also the main pathway of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure for humans. Significant hydroelectric developments in this territory are responsible for increasing the concentrations of MeHg found in fish and thus increase the human exposure to this neurotoxic compound. As this is an ongoing issue, our study assessed the current MeHg fish-tissue concentrations in Eeyou Istchee and the spatial distribution of MeHg hot spots using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to compare our results to those found in previous studies from the same region. We also performed a probabilistic hazard assessment of the exposure to MeHg from fish consumption. The GIS models indicated significant clustering of increased MeHg fish-tissue concentrations around hydroelectric reservoirs and showed higher MeHg fish-tissue concentrations around newer hydroelectric reservoirs, but a decrease in older reservoirs. Similar to past studies, we found that fish consumption continues to pose an MeHg exposure hazard for men who consume large piscivore species (i.e., lake trout, walleye, and pike), while for women, lake trout and walleye consumption constitute a hazard (any size), and pike should be consumed with caution. The hazard of exposure was mainly associated with intake rate in all cases. Lastly, we recommend monitoring MeHg fish-tissue concentrations in this region, as the MeHg tissue concentrations remain elevated, and updated consumption guidelines where and when necessitated.

Effects of higher dietary acid load: a narrative review with special emphasis in children.

Metabolic effects of high diet acid load (DAL) have been studied for years in adults, although only recently in children. Contemporary diets, especially those of Western societies, owe their acidogenic effect to high animal-origin protein content and low contribution of base-forming elements, such as fruits and vegetables. This imbalance, where dietary acid precursors exceed the body's buffering capacity, results in an acid-retaining state known by terms such as "eubicarbonatemic metabolic acidosis," "low-grade metabolic acidosis," "subclinical acidosis," or "acid stress". Its consequences have been linked to chronic systemic inflammation, contributing to various noncommunicable diseases traditionally considered more common in adulthood, but now have been recognized to originate at much earlier ages. In children, effects of high DAL are not limited to growth impairment caused by alterations of bone and muscle metabolism, but also represent a risk factor for conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, urolithiasis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The possibility that high DAL may be a cause of chronic acid-retaining states in children with growth impairment should alert pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists, since its causes have been attributed traditionally to inborn errors of metabolism and renal pathologies such as CKD and renal tubular acidosis. The interplay between DAL, overall diet quality, and its cascading effects on children's health necessitates comprehensive nutritional assessments and interventions. This narrative review explores the clinical relevance of diet-induced acid retention in children and highlights the potential for prevention through dietary modifications, particularly by increasing fruit and vegetable intake alongside appropriate protein consumption.

Unveiling the profound influence of sucralose on metabolism and its role in shaping obesity trends.

Artificial sweeteners, prominently exemplified by sucralose, have become pervasive in contemporary diets, prompting intriguing questions about their impact on metabolism and their potential role in the unfolding trends of obesity. Covering topics from its discovery to analytical methods for detection and determination in food samples, the manuscript scrutinizes the metabolic effects of sucralose. Notably, the association between sucralose intake and obesity is examined, challenging the conventional belief of its role in weight management. The document comprehensively examines in vivo studies, revealing sucralose's implications on insulin resistance, gut microbiota, and metabolic syndrome, providing a nuanced comprehension of its impact on human health. Additionally, it explores sucralose's effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health, underscoring its possible involvement in malignancy development. The review concludes with a call for increased public awareness, education, and updated dietary guidelines to help individuals make informed choices about sweetener consumption. The future perspectives section highlights the need for longitudinal studies, exploring alternative sweeteners, and refining acceptable daily intake limits to ensure public health recommendations align with evolving regulatory guidelines. Overall, the manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of sucralose's multifaceted impact on health, urging further research and a balanced perspective on sweetener consumption.

Fortification of noodles with processed bamboo shoots: Evaluating the impact on nutritional composition, antioxidant activity and sensory characteristics

Noodles, a ubiquitous and convenient dietary choice for millions, have become an integral part of the contemporary diet. As dietary preferences evolve and nutritional deficiencies persist, the necessity of fortifying noodles with essential nutrients has gained prominence. In the present study, the nutritional content of noodles fortified with a fiber rich powder of freeze-dried and oven-dried bamboo shoots was compared to the control. The noodles fortified with the powder had a maximum content of amino acid (1.15 g/100 g), proteins (7.14 g/100 g), carbohydrates (40.4 g/100 g), starch (71.1 g/100 g). Vitamin C and E contents of the fortified noodles were enhanced compared to control noodles, with fortified noodles containing a maximum vitamin C content of 2.91 mg/100 g and a maximum vitamin E content of 0.79 mg/100 g. The content of fat in the fortified noodles was lower than the control noodles (2.71 g/100 g), which will be beneficial for health conscious consumers. The antioxidant activity was highest in the fortified noodles (1420.6 µg/ml, IC50 of DPPH), and the minimum antioxidant activity was observed in control noodles (IC50 value of 2431.17 μg/ml). The sensory score for fortified noodles was greater for texture (7.5), taste (7.7), and overall acceptability (7.2) compared to the control noodles (7.4, 7.6, and 7.0 respectively). Fortifying noodles with essential nutrients is a promising way to improve the nutritional value of this popular food item. Bamboo shoots, being rich in micro- and macro-nutrients, could play a key role in improving the nutritional and health-enhancing properties of fortified products.

Diabetes Prediction with Machine Learning with Python

This article introduces an innovative approach leveraging a combination of machine learning techniques to enhance early diabetes detection, a crucial step given the disease's global impact. With the prevalence of sugar and fats in contemporary diets contributing to an increased diabetes risk, early identification through symptom recognition is key. The proposed method integrates Using Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms, patient data is analyzed to classify diabetes diagnoses as either affirmative or negative. The study involves the utilization of a dataset that has been divided into 70% for training data and 30% for testing data. The outputs from the SVM and ANN models serve as inputs for a fuzzy logic system, which then makes the final diagnosis determination. This hybrid model is stored on a cloud platform for accessibility and uses real-time patient data for predictions. The combined machine learning model demonstrates superior accuracy in predicting diabetes compared to existing methods.

Reported Agonistic Behaviours in Domestic Horses Cluster According to Context.

Agonistic behaviours are often directed at other animals for self-defence or to increase distance from valued resources, such as food. Examples include aggression and counter-predator behaviours. Contemporary diets may boost the value of food as a resource and create unanticipated associations with the humans who deliver it. At the same time the domestic horse is asked to carry the weight of riders and perform manoeuvres that, ethologically, are out-of-context and may be associated with instances of pain, confusion, or fear. Agonistic responses can endanger personnel and conspecifics. They are traditionally grouped along with so-called vices as being undesirable and worthy of punishment; a response that can often make horses more dangerous. The current study used data from the validated online Equine Behavioural and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) to explore the agonistic behaviours (as reported by the owners) of 2734 horses. With a focus on ridden horses, the behaviours of interest in the current study ranged from biting and bite threats and kicking and kick threats to tail swishing as an accompaniment to signs of escalating irritation when horses are approached, prepared for ridden work, ridden, and hosed down (e.g., after work). Analysis of the responses according to the context in which they arise included a dendrographic analysis that identified five clusters of agonistic behaviours among certain groups of horses and a principal component analysis that revealed six components, strongly related to the five clusters. Taken together, these results highlight the prospect that the motivation to show these responses differs with context. The clusters with common characteristics were those observed in the context of: locomotion under saddle; saddling; reactions in a familiar environment, inter-specific threats, and intra-specific threats. These findings highlight the potential roles of fear and pain in such unwelcome responses and challenge the simplistic view that the problems lie with the nature of the horses themselves rather than historic or current management practices. Improved understanding of agonistic responses in horses will reduce the inclination of owners to label horses that show such context-specific responses as being generally aggressive.

Prospecting the potential for sustainability, nutritional composition, health benefits, and versatile application of millets: Current research and future challenges

Millets, often overshadowed by larger cereal counterparts, are undergoing a renaissance in the realm of nutrition and health. This review delves into their captivating nutritional and nutraceutical potential, uncovering their secrets and highlighting their importance in contemporary diets. Millets emerge as nutritional powerhouses, providing a well-rounded mix of macronutrients, dietary fiber, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. Their significant health benefits include aiding in weight management, controlling glycemic levels, and promoting heart health. Additionally, their antioxidant-rich nature contributes to disease prevention and overall well-being. Notably, millets act as gluten-free champions, offering safe options for individuals with celiac disease and gluten allergenicity. In addition to their nutritional value, millets showcase anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, paving the way for potential nutraceutical applications. This review also explores culinary innovation, presenting tempting millet-based recipes to seamlessly integrate them into everyday meals, making their inclusion a delightful reality. Additionally, the by-products such as husks and seed coatings obtained from millets are abundant in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds. Despite the numerous health benefits associated with millets, their full potential remains untapped, with their primary uses revolving around feed and fodder.

Evaluating the Ileal and Cecal Microbiota Composition of a 1940 Heritage Genetic Line and a 2016 Commercial Line of white Leghorns Fed Representative Diets from 1940 to 2016

This study identified and evaluated differences between microbiome compositions of the ileum and ceca of 1940 and 2016 white leghorn genetic strains fed representative contemporary diets from those times. Ileal and cecal samples were collected at 69 weeks of age. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were generated, and the Analysis of Composition of Microbiomes (ANCOM) was utilized to determine significantly different taxa. Ileum and ceca alpha diversity were significantly different (p = 0.001; Q = 0.001); however, no differences between genetic lineage were observed (p > 0.05; Q > 0.05). Beta diversity between the ileum and ceca and the genetic lines was significantly different (p = 0.001; Q = 0.001). The ANCOM of the ileum showed significant differences between Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota phyla (p ˂ 0.05) and significant differences between Pseudomonas, Rhizobiaceae, Leuconostoc, and Aeriscardovia genera (p ˂ 0.05). For ceca ANCOM, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Euryarchaeota phyla were significantly different (p ˂ 0.05), with Firmicutes having the highest relative abundance across all groups, and there were significant differences in genera Pseudomonas, Leuconostoc, Alloprevotella, and Aeri scardovia, with Alloprevotella having the highest relative abundance. The results suggest that genetic makeup in conjunction with the nutritional composition influences the cecal and ileal microbiota of corresponding hens.

The Role of Insects in Ecosystems, an in-depth Review of Entomological Research

Insects, integral to Earth's ecosystems, play multifaceted roles that underpin environmental balance and human survival. Spanning roles from pollination to decomposition, these organisms also intersect with socio-economic, cultural, and public health sectors. This review delves into the diverse spheres of insect interactions within ecosystems, from their evolutionary histories to their roles as both predators and prey. The paper sheds light on the intricate predator-prey dynamics, emphasizing insects' roles in pest control and as pivotal food sources for various taxa. The significance of insects in soil ecosystems is elaborated upon, highlighting their contribution to soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. With the looming threats of climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution, insects face unprecedented challenges, which in turn can have cascading effects on ecosystems. In the realm of public health, the review underscores the role of insects as disease vectors, necessitating a balanced approach to ecosystem health and disease management. As vectors, they also catalyze the spread of diseases, creating an intricate balance between maintaining biodiversity and safeguarding human health. The review also touches upon the cultural and economic contributions of insects, from traditional medicine to their utilization in contemporary diets, demonstrating their deep-rooted ties with human societies. With burgeoning technological advancements, the research landscape in entomology is undergoing a seismic shift. Embracing tools such as molecular studies, drones, and AI, the field is poised for groundbreaking insights. As the review suggests, the path forward demands an interdisciplinary approach, amalgamating knowledge from varied scientific domains to grasp the complexities of insect behaviors and interactions fully. In conclusion, insects, though diminutive in size, cast a vast shadow on our planet's functioning. Understanding their roles, challenges, and potential can pave the way for sustainable futures, balancing ecological health with human progress.

Abstract P336: Sodium, Potassium And Calories: Implications For Implementing A Recommended Diet In Adults With Hypertension. A Cross Sectional Analysis Of NHANES 1999-2020.

Background: Evidence-based dietary recommendations for sodium and potassium have been made for adults with hypertension. Foods high in sodium are typically low in potassium and vice versa. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these dietary components and their implication for simultaneously achieving recommended daily dietary intakes in individuals with hypertension. Methods: Data on hypertensive adults was pooled from ten National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1999 - 2020) and weighted to provide national estimates. Dietary electrolyte intake was stratified as: 1) sodium ≤ 2300 mg/d [recommended] or ≤ 3000 mg/d [adequate], and 2) potassium > 4700 mg/d [recommended] or 3400 mg/d (men) and > 2600 mg/d (women) [adequate]. Results: Few hypertensives met recommended intakes of sodium (25.7%) and potassium (6.4%) with virtually none meeting both levels (0.1%). Fewer individuals met potassium recommendations after the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were made (2015-2020 vs. earlier, p =0.006) with those meeting recommended sodium remaining similar (p = 0.97). Meeting adequate intakes of sodium (44.1%), potassium (33.1%), and both intakes simultaneously (6.6%) was more common. The correlations between sodium and potassium, calories and sodium, and calories and potassium were 0.63, 0.77, and 0.74, respectively. However, individuals who met adequate potassium levels (and not sodium) had the highest calorie intake (median [IQR] = 2912 [2368, 3666]), with those meeting adequate sodium levels only having the lowest (1402 [1083, 1757]), and those who met neither intake (2254 [1854, 2717]) and those meeting both adequate intakes in between (1866 [1568, 2256], p < 0.001). Meeting adequate sodium only results in the lowest potassium intake (1680 mg [1241, 2152]), while meeting adequate potassium only results in the highest sodium intake (4801 mg [3840, 6215]). Conclusion: Hypertensives almost never meet both recommended intakes of sodium and potassium with higher intakes of potassium associated with high sodium and calories. Altering contemporary diets to augment potassium while reducing sodium will require strategies that decouple the positive association of potassium with both sodium and calories.

Abstract A019: Cancer survivor-specific dietary patterns and risk of premature aging in adult survivors of childhood cancer: St. Jude Lifetime (SJLIFE) Cohort

Abstract Background: Childhood cancer survivors are a growing population at elevated risk for premature aging and age-related chronic health conditions (CHCs) compared to the general population. In the general population, diet affects many hallmarks of aging, including inflammation, metabolic dysfunctions, and molecular and epigenetic changes. We examined associations between dietary patterns and risk of premature aging in adult survivors of childhood cancer. Methods: Adult survivors (18-65 years old, mean [SD] age 31 [8.4] years) of childhood cancer enrolled in SJLIFE between 2007 and 2017 completed a 110-item food frequency questionnaire at enrollment (n=2,904). Sociodemographic, cancer, cancer treatments, and health history were abstracted from medical records; CHCs were clinically validated. Factor analysis was performed to identify dietary patterns specific to the study population. Premature aging was assessed using the Deficit Accumulation Index (DAI) based on 45 age-related CHCs and categorized into low (<0.2), medium (0.2-0.34), and high (>0.35) aging risk groups. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multinomial logistic regressions adjusting for potential confounders, such as sociodemographics, health behaviors, and cancer treatments. Individuals’ factor scores of each pattern were grouped into quintiles, and a median score of each quintile was entered as a continuous term in regression models. Results: 20% of survivors were at medium- and 8% were at high-risk for premature aging. Survivors at high-risk for premature aging were more likely to be female, smokers, have low socioeconomic status, and have received radiation therapy to head and neck, chest, spine, or abdomen compared to those at low premature aging risk. Three dietary patterns were identified: 1) plant-based, 2) fast-food, and 3) Western contemporary. A plant-based diet was characterized by greater intakes of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish. A higher plant-based diet pattern score was associated with a lower risk of premature aging (OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.62-0.94 for the high-risk group; OR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.79-1.04 for the medium-risk group). A fast-food diet was characterized by greater intakes of sweets, processed meat, refined grains, potato, high-fat dairy, and soda. A fast-food diet was related to a non-significant increased risk of premature aging (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 0.91-1.57 for the high-risk group; OR=1.18, 95% CI: 0.98-1.43 for the medium-risk group). A Western contemporary diet characterized by greater intakes of meat, pasta/rice, pizza, Mexican food, and fruit juice was associated with an increased risk of premature aging (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.78 for the high-risk group; OR=1.04, 95% CI: 0.87-1.26 for the medium-risk group). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that diet plays a role in aging, and a diet rich in plant-based foods may mitigate the risk of premature aging in childhood cancer survivors. Citation Format: Yikyung Park, Mei Wang, Tuo Lan, AnnaLynn M. Williams, Matthew J. Ehrhardt, Emily R. Finch, Jennifer Q. Lanctot, Shu Jiang, Kevin R. Krull, Gregory T. Armstrong, Melissa M. Hudson, Graham A. Colditz, Leslie Robison, Kirsten K. Ness. Cancer survivor-specific dietary patterns and risk of premature aging in adult survivors of childhood cancer: St. Jude Lifetime (SJLIFE) Cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Aging and Cancer; 2022 Nov 17-20; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;83(2 Suppl_1):Abstract nr A019.

Predatory fish diets shift towards an invasive mullet in a traditional Hawaiian aquaculture system

AbstractTraditional Hawaiian fishponds, called loko iʻa, are a low‐impact and culturally important aquaculture system that historically produced significant fish yields. To better understand the structure of the contemporary food web of the restored Heʻeia fishpond, a mark‐recapture experiment was conducted to estimate the population abundance of the three dominant predatory fishes, and gut content, genetic barcoding, and stable isotope analyses were used to assess their diets. Great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda had the largest estimated population at 190 individuals, followed by 89 giant trevally Caranx ignobilis and 19 bluefin trevally Caranx melampygus. The three species were caught throughout the pond, with C. ignobilis concentrated in the deeper northwest area near a mangrove island. Diets of the three species consisted mainly of nearshore, estuarine fishes, and crustaceans. Prey taxonomic resolution was greatly improved with the use of genetic barcoding since most fish were too degraded to be visually identified. Trophic level calculations and isotopic niche breadth comparisons indicated that C. ignobilis and S. barracuda occupied similar ecological niches in the fishpond, and stable isotope mixing models revealed that their long‐term diets were mostly comprised glass shrimp (Palaemon sp.), mangrove swimming crab (Thalamita crenata), and an invasive Australian mullet (Osteomugil engeli). The native mullet (Mugil cephalus), a primary food fish species from the fishpond, was not identified in the diets of the predatory fishes in this study nor in a previous diet study decades ago prior to the introduction of Australian mullet. The inclusion of the invasive Australian mullet in the contemporary diets of the predatory fishes demonstrates a shift towards the newly available prey which may benefit the native mullet populations. These findings improve the understanding of food web dynamics in contemporary Hawaiian fishponds and provide an example of native predatory fishes consuming an invasive species as part of their diets.

Response to Shahzad A. Our Food: How we went wrong

The essence of our editorial is in the title. We do not mean to imply that the glucose is not essential for thehuman body. Indeed, red blood cells can only utilize glucose as its fuel. The brain, which while having thecapacity to use ketone bodies, uses glucose as its primary source of energy. It is also correct that the humanbody has alternate mechanisms to manage glucose scarcity i.e. hypoglycemia, through glycogen degradationand gluconeogenesis in the liver and use of ketone bodies for energy in the brain, through protein and fatbreakdown, allowing the human body to survive without glucose. Therefore, reducing or omittingcarbohydrates in the diet, particularly refined carbohydrates like simple sugar and white flour, does not affectthe human body adversely.
 Our editorial is meant to highlight the detrimental impact of our contemporary diets overloaded withunhealthy carbohydrates, with high glycemic indexes (GI), that are leading to the alarming rise of noncommunicablediseases (NCDs) including obesity, diabetes, metabolic dysfunction and various inflammatoryconditions. These diets are low in unrefined carbohydrates, which are known to have a beneficial role throughtheir high fiber content and nutrients such as vitamins.
 Classically, the term “addiction” is used, with reference to alcohol or drugs, for conditions when individuals losecontrol over their desire to consume a substance, followed with an ever-increasing need to consume andcontinue to consume, despite negative consequence. However, the term is now used more broadly to include'routines; or 'behaviours' that are habitually performed to attain reward despite obvious negativeconsequences. The neurobiology of food addiction has been a focus of many studies in the last decade or so.Although studies have shown conflicting results in humans, there is evidence that high GI carbohydratesproduce neurochemical responses similar to addiction. Lennerz and Lennerz have comprehensively reviewedthe properties that make high GI carbohydrates a plausible trigger for food addiction that may contribute toobesity.1
 The evidence from fossil records of hunter gatherers is limited in the information they can provide. However,archeological evidence along with studies on present-day hunter gatherer communities from different parts ofthe world provide some information of the health indicators in associated with this lifestyle.2 It has beenreported that less than 10% of deaths in individuals over 60 years is caused by chronic NCDs, in thesepopulations. The most common cause is infectious and gastrointestinal disease (70%) and followed by trauma(20%). In contrast all NCDs together accounted for 71% of deaths globally in 2019 in the world according toWHO.3 Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes (NIDD or Type 2 diabetes) is close to non-existent in hunter gathererpopulations and one study on eleven of these populations found a prevalence of only 1%.4 The high levels ofdaily physical activities in these communities contribute significantly to this. Many theories exist about thediets of the hunter gatherer populations which are varied and largely determined by their geography. Somecontain a significant proportion of carbohydrates in the form of honey, tubers, plantain etc as well as meat andgame. Both fossil records of the Paleolithic diet as well as recent hunter-gatherers reflect a dietary diversity inthese populations.
 We, again, reiterate that a balanced diet where sugar and starch is replaced by diverse nutrient-rich, organicand fiber-rich foods needs to be promoted. The aim of our editorial was not to promote one or the other diet,but to point out that our current diet, full of fast food and fizzy drinks, are putting the health and wellbeing ofour future generations at risk.
 Finally, we clarify that our editorial only covered one aspect of our lives, our diet, that affects our health. Besidesdiet, there are a multitude of factors that contribute to our health and wellbeing. As pointed out by ourcolleague, daily high levels of physical activity are protective against NCDs. In addition, our technology-drivensedentary lives associated with chronic social stress, economic disparities and dysfunctional family systems, alldirectly or indirectly contributing to an increase in NCDs, including metabolic disease and obesity, needcorrection.
 How to cite this: Majeed SMI, Mohyuddin A. Response to Shahzad A. Our Food: How we went wrong. Life and Science. 2022; 3(3): 143-144 .doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.264

Bacon, Hannah. Feminist theology and contemporary dieting culture: sin, salvation and women's weight loss narratives. x, 346 pp., bibliogr. London: Bloomsbury, 2019. £26.99 (paper)

Journal of the Royal Anthropological InstituteVolume 28, Issue 1 p. 372-373 Book and film reviews Bacon, Hannah . Feminist theology and contemporary dieting culture: sin, salvation and women's weight loss narratives. x, 346 pp., bibliogr. London: Bloomsbury, 2019. £26.99 (paper) Giulia Sciolli, Giulia Sciolli University of CambridgeSearch for more papers by this author Giulia Sciolli, Giulia Sciolli University of CambridgeSearch for more papers by this author First published: 11 February 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9655.13688Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume28, Issue1March 2022Pages 372-373 RelatedInformation

Observational and clinical evidence that plant-based nutrition reduces dietary acid load.

Contemporary diets in Western countries are largely acid-inducing and deficient in potassium alkali salts, resulting in low-grade metabolic acidosis. The chronic consumption of acidogenic diets abundant in animal-based foods (meats, dairy, cheese and eggs) poses a substantial challenge to the human body's buffering capacities and chronic retention of acid wherein the progressive loss of bicarbonate stores can cause cellular and tissue damage. An elevated dietary acid load (DAL) has been associated with systemic inflammation and other adverse metabolic conditions. In this narrative review, we examine DAL quantification methods and index observational and clinical evidence on the role of plant-based diets, chiefly vegetarian and vegan, in reducing DAL. Quantitation of protein and amino acid composition and of intake of alkalising organic potassium salts and magnesium show that plant-based diets are most effective at reducing DAL. Results from clinical studies and recommendations in the form of expert committee opinions suggest that for a number of common illnesses, wherein metabolic acidosis is a contributing factor, the regular inclusion of plant-based foods offers measurable benefits for disease prevention and management. Based on available evidence, dietary shifts toward plant-based nutrition effectively reduces dietary-induced, low-grade metabolic acidosis.

A Review of Antler Supplements: Benefits, Trends, and Potential

To sustain health and development, researchers all around the world are looking for new products to improve contemporary diets.  People have been interested in using antler products to treat different health conditions for a great number of years. Many examples can be found in traditional Chinese medicine where antlers are used to increase stamina and vitality. Antler products are considered to be highly beneficial for health and are used to improve the body’s nonspecific resistance t

Predatory species left stranded following the collapse of the sardine Sardinops sagax (Pappe, 1854) stock off the northern Benguela upwelling system: A review

Sardine Sardinops sagax (Pappe, 1854) is an important forage species, in the northern Benguela Upwelling System (nBUS). Sardine was a key forage species of the pelagic component in the nBUS, but the population collapsed due to a combination of overfishing and ecosystem change and variability in the nBUS. Multiple predators depended on sardine as high-quality food at the time when it was abundant. This study reviewed the current knowledge of predators' diet pre- and post-collapse of the sardine population stock in the nBUS. Data were sourced from previous studies on the trophic interaction in the nBUS. The historical and contemporary diets of commercially exploited species that prey on sardine were found to be relatively well documented while there are data deficiencies for non-commercially exploited species including cetaceans, sharks and some non-commercially exploited fish species. Amongst the species most reliant on sardine as prey are African penguin Spheniscus demersus, Cape gannet Morus capensis, Cape cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis, Cape monkfish Lophius vomerinus, shallow-water hake Merluccius capensis, deep-water hake M. paradoxus, snoek Thyrsites atun, Albacore tuna Thunnus alalunga, Cape fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus, Common dolphins Delphinus delphis, Dusky dolphins Lagenorhynchus obscurus, Heaviside's dolphins Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, six gills shark Hexanchus griseus, copper sharks Carcharhinus brachyurus, school shark Galeorhinus galeus and pelagic sharks Prionace glauca. Some predatory species such as the African penguin, Cape cormorant, Cape gannet, and school shark, are considered endangered as per the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria. Populations of Albacore tuna and Cape monkfish are near threatened, while Cape fur seals, common dolphins, and shallow-water hake are considered the least concerned on the IUCN list. Although the collapse of sardine has affected the food webs it has not resulted in collapse, rather there have been changes. Three prey species; bearded goby, Cape horse mackerel, and jellyfish, were identified as alternative prey for some of the predators that previously fed on sardine. This review showed how overexploitation of sardine could have had far-reaching effects on the nBUS through feeding linkages. Goby, although a low-quality prey, is a successful substitute for sardine probably mostly due to its high abundance, tolerance to low oxygen and ability to thrive in warm waters. However, further studies are needed to establish the strength of the ecological linkages of the prey species that replaced sardine in the diets of the predators.

MetaBARFcoding: DNA‐barcoding of regurgitated prey yields insights into Christmas shearwater (Puffinus nativitatis) foraging ecology at Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll), Hawaiʻi

AbstractMorphological identification of digested prey remains from a generalist predator can be challenging, especially when attempting to match degraded remains to taxonomic keys. DNA techniques, whereby prey is sequenced and matched to large public nucleotide sequence databases, are increasingly being used to augment morphological identification. We used “metaBARFcoding” (DNA metabarcoding) to target a region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene to identify prey in highly digested regurgitations from Christmas shearwaters Puffinus nativitatis at Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll). Metabarcoding was used to bulk‐process 92 water samples from regurgitations collected from 2009 to 2017, providing an overview of the seabird's diet. We additionally Sanger‐sequenced 100 prey items from 50 randomly chosen regurgitations to verify that metabarcoding characterized key components of the diet. The metabarcoding technique identified 87 unique taxa from 29 families of fish and squid, spanning diverse taxa, including reef‐associated, pelagic–oceanic, and mesopelagic species. Rare prey (frequency of occurrence ≤5% of samples) constituted 66% of the species richness, demonstrating the highly diverse diet of this generalist predator. Overall, 81% of the families detected in the contemporary diet were previously documented in Christmas shearwater diets from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Our results indicate that metabarcoding the COI region is useful in identifying a wide range of taxa from highly digested regurgitations, thus facilitating this approach to study seabird diets.

Moralizing Hunger

In this paper I examine and analyze the moral language surrounding food and eating in contemporary diet culture. I look to three dieting subcultures - 'thinspiration' (or 'thinspo', the idolization of extreme thinness), 'fitspiration' ('fitspo', the idolization of 'fit, toned' bodies) and contemporary 'wellness' culture. I argue that the vocabularies of these three subcultures are on a continuum, in that their moralizing messages reflect and embody the same gendered and racialized social prohibitions, taboos, and normativity around food, eating, and bodies. All three dieting subcultures reflect and reproduce cultural fatphobia - the social and material discrimination against fat people, and the gendered and racialized ideology in which fat bodies are seen as threatening and cast as socially abject. I argue that thinspo, fitspo, and wellness subcultures emerge as spaces which recognize fat abjectness and provide their members with different strategies for managing or mitigating the social 'danger' of food and the risk of becoming fat and socially abject. I also argue that the different moral vocabularies these subcultures use to discuss food and eating reflect these different strategies. 
 Arguing that these three vocabularies are on a continuum with regards to the bodily and behavioral normativity they transmit is significant because while thinspo is popularly regarded as extreme and damaging, and while there is some popular critique of fitspo, mainstream ‘wellness’ culture receives much less popular critical scrutiny and is presently socially normalized. Seeing these rhetorics on a continuum enables us to see how the same social prohibitions and taboos against fatness (particularly against women's fatness) are just as operative in mainstream society as they are in ‘fringe’ spaces recognized as harmful. 

Quinoa sprouts as potential vegetable source: Nutrient composition and functional contents of different quinoa sprout varieties

Quinoa has a long history of cultivation and unique nutritional value. Quinoa sprouts can be eaten as leafy vegetables, but their nutritional quality is unknown. Ten quinoa sprout varieties (lines) were evaluated and compared for nutrient and functional composition. All quinoa sprout varieties had high contents of moisture content, reducing sugar, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. All varieties contained all essential amino acids, with leucine present in abundance. They had high contents of phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids (β-carotene and lycopene) as well as chlorophylls a and b. Overall, var. LL-01 had better nutrient and phytochemical composition than other varieties. The potential nutritionalhealth benefits of quinoa sprouts as a vegetable are important for both traditional and contemporary diets.