Daily Intake Research Articles

Intervention on Anemia prevention among adolescent girls: A quasi-experimental study on providing meatballs chips modified to increase hemoglobin levels

Adolescent girls are at higher risk of anemia due to menstrual cycle, with iron deficiency from daily food intake being the most common cause. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of fried meatballs modified with a combination of local ingredients, such as chicken liver flour, moringa oleifera leaves, soybean tempeh flour, and mackerel fish, abbreviated as Tioek chips, on changes in haemoglobin levels on adolescent girls in Kupang City and Kupang Regency. The results show that foods modified with nutritious local ingredients such as Tioek chips can be classified as an affordable and delicious alternative to healthy snacks to prevent anemia.

Energy expenditure, metabolic adaptation, physical activity and energy intake following weight loss: comparison between bariatric surgery and low-calorie diet.

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment to achieve substantial weight loss; however, total daily energy expenditure and physical activity changes in response to such interventions have been seldom explored. In this prospective observational study, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) using doubly labeled water and physical activity (SenseWear armband) was assessed in 17 females (mean ± SD: 48.6 ± 9.7 kg/m2, 43 ± 12 years) at baseline and 8 and 52 weeks following either bariatric surgery (BSG, N = 9) or a low-calorie diet (LCD, N = 8). Energy intake was assessed using the intake-balance method. After 8 weeks, weight loss was 16.0 ± 3.5 kg and TDEE decreased by 552 ± 319 kcal/d in BSG (P < 0.001) compared to 8.8 ± 3.4 kg and 256 ± 239 kcal/d in LCD (P < 0.05). After 52 weeks, weight loss was 44.3 ± 16.4 kg and TDEE decreased by 583 ± 418 kcal/d (P < 0.001), compared to 4.3 ± 6.7 kg and 84 ± 285 kcal/d in LCD (P > 0.05). TDEE was lower than predicted in BSG at 8 (P = 0.03) but not 52 weeks (P = 0.77). There was no evidence of metabolic adaptation in LCD. Average daily energy intake in BSG was 1403 ± 245 kcal/d compared to 2545 ± 398 kcal/d in LCD (P < 0.001). In BSG, step count and physical activity minutes were increased at 52 weeks compared to baseline (P = 0.03), whereas no significant changes were observed in LCD. Bariatric surgery-induced weight loss decreased TDEE at 8 weeks and 1 year, resulting in metabolic adaptation after 8 weeks that was reversed at 1 year. These changes were accompanied by an increase in physical activity.

Association of plain water intake with risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-related mortality have increased dramatically in past decades. Our study aims to investigate the association between plain water and this prevalent metabolic disease, as water plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic processes. A total of 3,543/3,428 individuals with NAFLD/MASLD were included in this study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Daily plain water intake was recorded, and mortality status was tracked until December 31, 2019. Multivariate Cox regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models were used to assess the association between plain water intake and long-term all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality among participants with NAFLD/MASLD. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between substituting other beverages with plain water intake and the risk of mortality. The multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed a significant association between higher plain water intake and lower all-cause mortality, cerebrovascular diseases mortality, and cancer mortality in both NAFLD or MASLD patients. Dose-response analyses revealed a non-linear trend between plain water intake and mortality among NAFLD/MASLD patients. Additionally, replacing sugar or artificial beverages with plain water was linked to reduced all-cause mortality, cerebrovascular diseases mortality, and cancer mortality in patients with NAFLD/MASLD. Higher plain water intake is independently linked to lower risk of all-cause, cerebrovascular diseases mortality, and cancer mortality in NAFLD/MASLD patients. Increasing plain water intake may be an effective way for these patients to reduce their risk of mortality.

Polyaromatic hydrocarbon profile and health risk assessment of popularly consumed species of fish in Remo Zone, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria

Polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds are usually introduced into foods through processing methods like smoking, grilling, etc and they have been identified as potential carcinogens. This study was aimed assessing the concentrations of PAHs and evaluating the health risk associated with consumption of 3 main fish species popularly consumed in the study area. Health risk factors like daily dietary intake (DDI), carcinogenic potencies of individual PAHs (B(A)Pteq) and the excess cancer risk (ECR) induced by dietary exposure of smoked fish consumers were examined for 16 PAHs considered as priority pollutants.. The three fish species analyzed in this study: Herring (Clupea harengus), Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) and Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) samples were extracted by liquid extraction and the concentrations of 22 selected PAHs were analyzed using GC-MS. The cumulative concentrations of PAH22 and PAH16 in the three species of fish are of the order Herring &gt; Blue wilting &gt; Mackerels. The results from the GC-MS analysis showed a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the PAH concentration detected in the fish samples collected from the five study locations. The DDI for PAH16 in smoked Herring was found to be between 0 and 0.1277 µg/day, 0 and 0.007124 µg/day for mackerel and 0 and 0.07946 µg/day for blue whiting. Most of the ECR values obtained in this work were higher than the 10-5 guideline and this calls for intense monitoring.

Acceptable daily intake of aspartame aggravates enteritis pathology and systemic inflammation in colitis mouse model.

In this study, a dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis model in C57BL/6 mice was used to explore the effect of acceptable daily intake (ADI) of aspartame on inflammation in colonic tissues. The effects of aspartame on the inflammatory state of the colon in mice were comprehensively evaluated by comparing the body weight, colon length/colon length index, splenic index, disease activity index (DAI) score, histological activity index (HAI) score, the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, claudin-3, and occludin, the infiltration characteristics of macrophage and neutrophil and the composition of the gut microbiota in the control group, aspartame group, ulcerative colitis model group, and aspartame + ulcerative colitis group. We demonstrated that, in a mouse model of dextran sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis, ADI of aspartame caused a significant decrease in body weight, colon length/colon length index, DAI scores, and expression levels of the proteins claudin-3 and occludin. Moreover, ADI of aspartame caused an increase in the splenic index, HAI scores, the levels of proinflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 both in intestinal tissue and serum and infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in colon tissues. These results showed that ADI of aspartame promoted intestinal pathology and systemic inflammation in a mouse model of colitis.

Dietary creatine and carcinogenic biomarkers in adult population.

Background: Several reports suggest potential cytotoxic effects of creatine, possibly due to its role in facilitating the formation of food-borne chemical carcinogenic compounds. Aim: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between creatine consumption and various carcinogenic biomarkers in blood and urine among individuals aged 18 years and older, utilizing data from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods: Daily creatine intake was assessed using the Dietary Data databases, which were compiled from individual in-person 24-h food recall interviews. The concentrations of carcinogenic compounds (heterocyclic amines, acrylamide, and formaldehyde) were extracted from NHANES 2013-2014 Laboratory Data database. Results: The final analysis included 1763 adult respondents, of whom 907 (51.4%) were female. The mean daily creatine intake was 0.83 ± 0.77 grams (95% CI, from 0.80 to 0.87). Regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between daily creatine intake and most carcinogenic biomarkers, except for a significant correlation (Model 1) between creatine intake and acrylamide levels (B = -3.999, ß = -0.088, p = 0.05). Model 2 (demographics) confirmed a significant relationship between daily creatine intake and circulating acrylamide (B = -3.490, ß = -0.077, p = 0.02), as well as for blood levels of glycidamide (B = -2.992, ß = -0.068, p = 0.05) and urinary 2-Amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (B = 0.190, ß = 0.088, p = 0.03). However, no correlation between creatine consumption and any carcinogenic biomarkers remained significant after adjusting for nutritional factors (Model 3) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the consumption of dietary creatine may be considered safe and not associated with increased levels of above carcinogens in the general population.

Dietary Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer and Progress in The Application of Dietary Regulation in Treatment

rectal cancer, a subtype of colorectal cancer, has a significant incidence rate in both men and women, making it a critical area of study. Understanding the impact of daily dietary intake—including protein, fat, vitamins, and trace elements. The fear surrounding cancer stems from its complexity, variability, and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their families. Cancer’s relentless nature, characterized by the abnormal and unchecked proliferation of cells, underscores the importance of early detection and prevention. The link between unhealthy lifestyle habits and cancer risk underscores the need for individuals to adopt healthier behaviors, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. This study examines how dietary modifications can reduce the risk of developing Colorectal cancer and their role in supporting treatment, potentially by modulating tumor growth, boosting immune function, and regulating gut flora.

Short-term high-fat and high-carb diet effects on glucose metabolism and hedonic regulation in young healthy men.

Daily dietary intake of macronutrients and energy is closely associated with long-term metabolic health outcomes, but whether 24-h nutritional intervention under isocaloric conditions leads to changes in metabolism remains unclear. Moreover, the short-term effect of diets with different macronutrient composition on hedonic appetite regulation is less clear. This study examined the impact of an acute high-fat (F+) and high-carbohydrate (C+) diet on glucose metabolism and hedonic regulation of food intake in young healthy men under controlled conditions. Using a cross-over design, 19 male participants received a one-day isocaloric diet with different macronutrient composition (F+ = 11% carbohydrates, 74% fat; C+ = 79% carbohydrates, 6% fat) compared to a control diet (CON = 55% carbohydrates, 30% fat). Protein content was set at 15% of energy in all diets. The feeling of hunger, as well as "liking" and "wanting" for foods, was assessed through visual analog scales, and blood samples for glucose, insulin, and cortisol levels were assessed repeatedly during the experimental day. An intravenous glucose tolerance test was conducted the next morning. Postprandial glucose and insulin levels were lowest in F+ over the 24 h. Except for dinner, the CON diet showed the highest mean values in glucose. F+ diet improved insulin resistance, lowering Homeostatis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) values. Changes in hedonic regulation of food intake were not observed during the intervention between the diets, except for higher feelings of satiety under the CON diet. An acute, isocaloric, high-fat diet improved insulin resistance even in healthy individuals but did not affect hedonic food intake regulation. Macronutrient composition modulate glucose metabolism even under short-term (24-h) and isocaloric diets, which should be considered for personalized preventive dietary treatments.

Dietary full-fat or defatted black soldier fly larvae can replace protein sources with no detrimental effect on growth performance or intestinal health of nursery pigs.

This work aimed to determine the effects of dietary full-fat or defatted black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to replace protein sources on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota in nursery pigs and to investigate the effects of dietary defatted BSFL at up to 30% at the expense of protein sources on growth performance in nursery pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of 36 barrows with an initial body weight of 7.0kg (standard deviation = 0.8) were allotted to 3 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicate pens per treatment and 3 barrows per pen. A corn-soybean meal (SBM)-whey-based control diet was prepared with soy protein concentrate and fish meal as additional protein supplements. Two additional diets were prepared to include 20% full-fat BSFL or 20% defatted BSFL to replace soy protein concentrate and fish meal to maintain the same energy and nutrient concentrations in all diets. In the 28-day feeding trial, pigs fed the diet containing defatted BSFL tended to consume more feeds (P < 0.10) than other groups during days 14 to 28 and the overall period. On day 28, the serum blood urea nitrogen in pigs fed the control diet was less (P < 0.05) than that fed the full-fat or defatted BSFL, but fecal score and jejunal morphology did not differ among the treatment groups. Relative abundance of Mycoplasma in the ileal digesta was less (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed the diet containing full-fat or defatted BSFL compared with the control group. In Exp. 2, a total of 192 pigs with an initial body weight of 7.8 (standard deviation = 1.2kg) were randomly allotted to one of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 replicate pens per treatment and 4 barrows and 4 gilts per pen. A control diet was mainly based on corn, SBM, fermented SBM, fish meal, and spray-dried plasma protein. Three additional diets were prepared to contain 10%, 20%, and 30% defatted BSFL to replace SBM, fermented SBM, fish meal, and spray-dried plasma protein to maintain for the same energy and nutrient concentrations. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain:feed, and fecal score were not affected by increasing dietary defatted BSFL. Overall, dietary black soldier fly larvae did not compromise growth performance or intestinal health in nursery pigs. Black soldier fly larvae can be used in nursery pig diets to replace other protein sources without negative effects.

The Impact of Trendy Diets on Nutritional Imbalance and Health Risks

In nowadays society people are focusing on their well-being and appearance more than ever. Social media has amplified almost every detail on daily occasions, however, such additional attention may not necessarily be beneficial for everyone. Influencers post pictures of their perfect physique and use them for more attention and followers. Among all the so-called ‘secrets’, people are most curious about what they eat and how they eat to look that stunning. Compared to tiring gym sessions and boring lectures about anatomy and physiology, a brand-new revolutionary recipe is far more appealing. The trendy recipes are beneficial to some people who have special needs such as those who are obese, type-II diabetes patients, people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, etc. Such recipes greatly altered the proportions of the different essential nutrients to improve some symptoms that are occurring due to an imbalance of nutrition. However, such a diet may be beneficial to the human body in the short run by adjusting the daily calorie intake and controlling the categories of food in each sitting, in the long run, it would lead to another malfunction of the body due to nutrition imbalance.

Dietary bisphenols exposure as an influencing factor of body mass index

BackgroundOver the past three decades, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence and incidence of overweight and obesity worldwide. The obesogen hypothesis suggests that certain external agents may affect pathways related to fat accumulation and energy balance by stimulating fat cell differentiation and proliferation. Previous research has indicated that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and some of its analogues may influence fat accumulation by promoting the transformation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. This study aimed to assess the possible contribution of dietary bisphenol exposure to the odds of developing overweight and obesity in a sample of Spanish children according to sex.MethodsDietary and anthropometric data were collected from 179 controls and 124 cases schoolchildren aged 3–12 years. Dietary exposure to BPA and bisphenol S (BPS) was assessed using a food consumption frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to assess the influence of dietary exposure to bisphenols on overweight and obesity stratified by sex.ResultsFor females, cases had significantly higher exposure to BPA from meat and eggs compared to controls (median = 319.55, interquartile range (IQR) = 176.39–381.01 vs 231.79 (IQR) = 162.11–350.19, p-value = 0.046). Diet quality was higher for controls (6.21 (2.14) vs 4.80 (2.24) p < 0.001) among males independently of a high or low exposure to bisphenols. However, higher diet quality was observed for female controls with an high exposure of total bisphenols (6.79 (2.04) vs 5.33 (2.02) p = 0.031). Females exposed to high levels of BPA from meat and eggs had higher likelihood of being overweight and obese (adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.70, 95% confidence interval = 1.00 – 7.32). However, no consistent associations were found in males.ConclusionsHigh BPA levels from meat and eggs were positively associated with overweight and obesity in females. The dietary intake of BPA in the schoolchildren in the present study was much higher than the acceptable daily intake established by EFSA for the last year.

The influence of the daily salt-intake on the antihypertensive action and atrial natriuretic peptide level in patietns with angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibition

Abstract Background The angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) is a drug which acts through angiotensin receptor blocking effect and the increase in atrail natriuretic peptide (ANP) through neprilysin inhibitor in hypertension (HT). These combined effects result in a reduced risk of hospitalization for heart failure or death from cardiovascular causes. ANP is also known for its various cardioprotective effects including vasodilator and natriuretic action. Acording to Guyton's pressure-natriuresis curve, the efficacy of angiotensin receptor blocker drugs is diminished in HT cases with high daily salt inatke. However, whether the effect of ARNI on HT is attenuated in patients with high daily salt intake remains unclear. Purpose The present study investigated the influence of a daily salt intake on the antihypertensive action and ANP level in patients with ARNI. Methods Fourty-four consecutive essential HT patients on ARNI were enrolled. Blood pressure and ANP level were measured at baseline (before taking ARNI) and 3 weeks later. ARNI (200mg) was prescribed and maintained during the study. In addtion, the daily salt intake was calculated using creatinine and natrium levels in urine, age, and body weight according to Japanese hypertensive guideline at baseline and 3 weeks later. Results The average age was 70±8 years old. About 50% (N=23) was male. The mean sytolic and diastolic blood pressure was 148±14mmHg and 89±10mmHg, respectively. The mean daily salt intake was 9.5±2.2 g/day at baseline. The mean ANP level was 529±300pg/ml. At follow up (3 weeks later), the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure significanly went down to 132± 18 mmHg and 70± 9 mmHg, respectively (p=0.03). ANP level also increased from 529±300pg/ml to 793±580pg/ml. However, the mean daily salt intake was almost same as the baseline at 9.4±3.2 g/day. The patients were divided into 2 groups; high daily salt intake (N=20 with mean daily salt intake 10.5±1.7g/day)) and low daily salt intake (N=24 with 8.4±3.1g/day) groups compared to the baseline. The absolute and percentage changes in systolic blood pressure were almost same in the high and low daily salt intake groups (-12.7±15.8mmHg vs -13.7±14.2mmHg, p=0.75; -5.8±6.5% vs.-7.0±9.6%, p=0.58, respectively). However, the change rate in ANP level was significantly higer in the high daily salt intake group than in the low daily salt intake group (155±63 vs. 12±16%, p=0.01). Conclusion ARNI demonstrates effectiveness in lowering the blood pressure even in patients with higher salt intake, unlike angiotensin receptor blocker. In cases with high salt intake, the notable increase in ANP levels may contribute to decreasing blood pressure through vasodilator and natriuretic action.

LCoRL Regulates Growth and Metabolism.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans and livestock have identified genes associated with metabolic traits. However, the causality of many of these genes on metabolic homeostasis is largely unclear due to a lack of detailed functional analyses. Here we report ligand-dependent corepressor-like (LCoRL) as a metabolic regulator for body weight and glucose homeostasis. Although GWAS data show that LCoRL is strongly associated with body size, glucose homeostasis, and other metabolic traits in humans and livestock, functional investigations had not been performed. We generated Lcorl knockout mice (Lcorl-/-) and characterized the metabolic traits. We found that Lcorl-/- pups are born smaller than the wild-type (WT) littermates before reaching normal weight by 7 to 9 weeks of age. While aging, Lcorl-/- mice remain lean compared to WT mice, which is associated with a decrease in daily food intake. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity are improved in Lcorl-/- mice. Mechanistically, this stunted growth is linked to a reduction of circulating levels of IGF-1. The expression of the genes downstream of GH signaling and the genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism are altered in the liver of Lcorl-/- mice. Furthermore, Lcorl-/- mice are protected against a high-fat diet challenge and show reduced exercise capacity in an exercise stress test. Collectively, our results are congruent with many of the metabolic parameters linked to the Lcorl locus as reported in GWAS in humans and livestock.

Impacts of replacing soybean meal with processed soybean meal on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs challenged with F18+ Escherichia coli.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different level of soybean meal (SBM) replaced by soy protein concentrate on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs under F18+ Escherichia. coli (E. coli). Forty-eight newly weaned pigs (6.6 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments arranged by 2 × 2 factors using randomized complete block design with initial body weight and sex as blocks. Two factors were F18+ E. coli challenge (0 or 2.1 × 1010 CFU) and the level of SBM (24% or 12% in phase 1 and 26% or 14% in phase 2). Pigs were fed for 25 d in 2 phases (phase 1 for 11 d and phase 2 for 14 d). At the end of study, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa and tissues to measure parameters related to intestinal health. Data were analyzed using a MIXED procedure in SAS. The F18+ E. coli challenge decreased (p<0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and decreased (p<0.05) gain to feed ratio on d 7 to 11. The High SBM tended to have a greater overall ADG (p=0.054) and ADFI (p=0.078) compared with low SBM under F18+ E. coli challenge, but not in unchallenged conditions. The F18+ E. coli challenge increased (p<0.05) fecal score on d 7 to 18. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1β in jejunal mucosa were decreased (p<0.05) in High SBM treatments. The High SBM tended to increase (p=0.085) occludin expression in jejunum. High SBM increased crypt depth in jejunum under F18+ E. coli challenge, but not in unchallenged conditions (p<0.05). High SBM in nursery diets could alleviate the detrimental effects of F18+ E. coli challenge on growth performance of pigs under compared to low SBM inclusion, which might be attributed to decreased intestinal inflammation and improved intestinal integrity.

Promoting a sustainable diet among office workers in Sweden: A pilot Study

Abstract Background Society is facing multiple challenges, including lifestyle-related diseases, alongside global climate change. Actions are needed to promote sustainable lifestyles advocating for healthy and environmentally friendly diets. This study aimed to assess how a sustainable lifestyle, compared to conventional healthy lifestyle education at work, affects participants’ energy intake, nutrient consumption, and diet-related CO2e. Methods An 8 week two-armed randomized trial was conducted, comprising a sustainable lifestyle arm (n = 21) and a healthy lifestyle arm (n = 16) based on the theoretical framework of the Behavioral Change Wheel, in total (n = 33) completed the trial. The office workers participated in 6 workshops during working hours. Linear mixed-effects models and analysis of variance tests were used for data analysis. Changes over time are presented as arms combined, along with their respective mean differences. Results A significant decrease in mean diet-related CO2e was observed (p &amp;lt; 0.001), with a decrease on average of 0.74 and 0.71 kg CO2e/day. The mean change in daily kilocalorie intake had a significant decrease over time (p = 0.008), on average of 192 and 386 Kcal. Moreover, a significant decrease in mean protein intake was observed (p &amp;lt; 0.001), with a decrease on average of 16 and 18 grams, possibly explaining the decrease in CO2e. No significant differences were observed between the arms at any timepoint. Conclusions Promoting sustainable lifestyle habits has a similar impact to advocating for a conventional healthy lifestyle regarding diet. This supports the new Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023. Despite the small sample size, insights into facilitating sustainable behaviors can influence public health policies across Europe and the workplace as an arena for health promotion. Key messages • The promotion of sustainable and healthy lifestyle habits at work can promote both individual and planetary health by decreasing diet-related CO2e emissions. • Here we demonstrate that the workplace has the potential to act as an arena to combat climate change.

Dietary potassium intake and its interaction with sodium intake on risk of developing cardiovascular disease in persons with type 2 diabetes: The Japan Diabetes Complication and its Prevention Prospective study (JDCP study 12).

Many guidelines recommend increases in potassium intake. However, the relationship of dietary potassium intake with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) has not been examined in those with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), including sodium acting antagonistically with potassium. We investigated these relationships in Japanese patients with T2DM. The investigation was part of the JDCP study, a nationwide prospective study begun in 2007. Analysed were 1477 persons with T2DM, 40-75 years of age, who completed a brief-type, self-administered Diet History Questionnaire at baseline. Primary outcome was a CVD event during the follow-up median 7 years (3.9-8.1 years). Hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD were estimated by Cox regression adjusted for confounders of daily potassium intake categorized by tertiles. Tertiles of sodium intake were also analysed. Mean daily potassium intake in tertiles was 1877, 2627 and 3532 mg, respectively, and significant associations were not shown between potassium intake and incidence of CVD. When HRs for CVD were stratified for potassium intake in tertiles (reference group, bottom tertile) and sodium intake (reference group, bottom tertile), potassium intake in the bottom tertile and sodium intake in the second and top tertiles were associated with significantly elevated HR for CVD (2.79 [1.02-7.63] and 3.92 [1.30-11.79], respectively). Low potassium intake in conjunction with high sodium intake was significantly associated with increased incident CVD in persons with T2DM. However, CVD incidence was not related to high potassium intake, regardless of sodium intake.

Investigating the diverse role of ultra-processed foods on cardiometabolic multimorbidity: Highlights from the ATTICA prospective study (2002-2022)

Abstract Background/Introduction The role of ultra-processed foods (UPF) on multimorbidity is currently unknown with limited research implying the existence of complex associations among the diverse UPF categories. Purpose The aim of the present work was to investigate the association of total and subgroup intake of UPF with cardiometabolic multimorbidity, after twenty years of observation, in a Mediterranean region. Methods In 2001-2002, n=3,042 free-of-cardiovascular disease (CVD) men and women from Attica, Greece, were recruited. Dietary assessment was based on a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The NOVA Food Classification system was used to assign the food products as UPF using a standard methodology. The food products assigned as UPF were further grouped as "bread and cereals", "spreads and sauces", "sweets and desserts", "artificially and sugar-sweetened beverages", "processed meat products" and "savory snacks". Cardiometabolic multimorbidity was defined as the co-occurrence of two cardiometabolic diseases i.e., type 2 diabetes and CVD within a 20-year follow-up period in a sample of n=1,846 participants with available data. Results The median consumption level of UPFs was 26.6 (16.3) servings/week contributing to around 40% of participants total daily energy intake. Over the 20–year follow–up period, n=231 cases of cardiometabolic multimorbidity were recorded. Ranking from 1st tertile (lower intake– 11.8 mean servings/week) to 2nd tertile (23.3 mean servings/week) and 3rd tertile (44.7 mean servings/week) regarding the consumption level of UPF, 20-year cardiometabolic multimorbidity was 9.5%, 13.4% and 14.7% respectively. Multi-adjusted analysis revealed that one standard deviation (SD) increase in UPF intake (servings/week) or in contribution of UPFs to total energy intake (% total energy intake) was associated with 26% [Odds ratio (OR)=1.26, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) (1.17–1.85)] and 29% higher risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity [OR=1.29, 95%CI (1.08–1.69)]. Among UPF subgroups, only in case of artificial and sugar-sweetened beverages [OR=1.06, 95%CI (1.02–1.13)] as well as spreads and sauces [OR=1.06, 95%CI (1.02–1.13)] a positive association was observed. In case of breads and cereals an inverse association was observed [OR=0.95, 95%CI (0.92–0.98)]. In the rest categories even if a positive trend was observed (all ORs&amp;gt;1) significance was not reached (all p-values&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion A dose-response relationship between UPF consumption and elevated risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity was emerged. However, the diverse categorization of UPFs accompanied by the contradicting associations revealed herein among the different subcategories of UPFs could imply the need to return to the evaluation of foods more on the basis of their nutritional role and less on the basis of their degree of processing. The nation context accompanied by specific dietary habits should also be taken into consideration.

Quantifying Turkana’s wild edible plants’ contribution to critical micronutrient and dietary diversity among women of reproductive age

ABSTRACT This study explored wild edible plants’ (WEPs) contribution to dietary diversity and micronutrient intakes of women in Turkana County using a multi-method quantitative research design. In addition to the nutrient composition analysis of four vegetable plants and one edible fruit collected from the wild, two survey rounds were conducted – in 2020 during COVID (n = 360) and in 2022 during extreme drought (n = 600), to collect dietary intake data of women using 24-h recall. The study revealed that WEPs contribute 12% to 30% of the total daily food intake among women, and 0.6 to 1.4 food groups to dietary diversity, depending on the season. All the five WEPs tested contained on average 0.5 mg zinc, 6.4–25.5 mg iron, and 97.8–330.8 mg calcium per 100 g edible portion. This study demonstrates the significance of WEPs’ nutritional contribution to the Turkana communities’ diets, and their pivotal role during times of food scarcity, and recommends their promotion alongside measures to prevent their overexploitation.

Effects of high-dose glucose oxidase on broiler growth performance, antioxidant function, and intestinal microbiota in broilers.

Glucose oxidase (GOD) has been investigated as a potential additive for enhancing intestinal health and growth performance in poultry. However, limited research exists on the effects of ultra-high doses of GOD in practical poultry production. This study aimed to investigate the impact of high dietary GOD levels on broiler growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota. A total of 400 healthy, 1-day-old, slow-growing broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatment groups. The control group was fed a standard basal diet, while the other groups (G1, G2, and G3) were fed the basal diet supplemented with 4 U/g, 20 U/g, and 100 U/g of VTR GOD, respectively. The results showed that a dose of 100 U/g GOD significantly improved the final body weight and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the G3 group exhibited a marked increase in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p < 0.05), reflecting enhanced antioxidant function. Gut morphology remained intact across all groups, indicating no adverse effects on intestinal barrier integrity. Microbiota analysis revealed significant increases (p < 0.05) in Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobiota abundance at the phylum level in the GOD-supplemented groups. Moreover, GOD treatments significantly increased the abundance of Faecalibacterium, Mucispirllum, and CHKCI001 at the genus level. Metabolic function predictions suggested that high-dose GOD supplementation enriched carbohydrate metabolism, particularly starch and sucrose metabolism. Correlation analysis indicated that Faecalibacterium and CHCKI001 were two bacteria strongly influenced by GOD supplementation and were associated with enhanced growth performance and improved gut health. In conclusion, high-dose GOD supplementation had no adverse effects and demonstrated significant benefits, promoting both growth performance and gut health in broilers.

Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum) Disease on Selected Sorghum Genotypes at Assosa Zone, Western Ethiopia

Background Over 500 million people worldwide rely on sorghum as a main food crop. About 10% of the daily caloric intake of households in Ethiopia’s northwest and eastern regions, including Benishangul Gumuz, comes from sorghum. A hemi-biotrophic fungal pathogen called Colletotrichum sublineolum caused anthracnose disease is among the biotic constraints of sorghum production. Methods Ten selected sorghum genotypes were assessed for sorghum anthracnose severity and its temporal and spatial dynamics on field plots in the districts of Assosa and Bambasi. The performance of the chosen sorghum genotypes was assessed using the following metrics: AUDPC, disease progress rate, yield-related trait, sorghum grain yield, and mean severity index. Anthracnose severity was evaluated using a 1–5 disease rating scale and assessments conducted at seven consecutive time points. Results Ten genotypes of sorghum were examined in the districts of Assosa and Bambasi, with mean anthracnose severity index ranging from 60-77 PSI and 53-82 PSI, respectively. AUDPC varied from 351 to 470 % days and 316 to 499 % days at Assosa and Bambasi districts, respectively. Bambasi district achieved a larger grain yield than the Assosa district. Assosa-1 demonstrated a significant level of disease pressure, yet the current investigation found that this genotype is the highest performing genotype in both locations. Conclusions There is a considerable positive link between the severity of anthracnose and the weekly total rainfall and relative humidity. At both trial sites, Mersa-1 continuously produced higher grain yields and reduced disease levels. Breeders might utilize the Baco Striga sorghum genotype as a check line in a breeding effort to resist anthracnose disease because it shown a high vulnerability to the disease at both locations.