Dietary Food Research Articles

TAS1R2 rs35874116 Associations with Taste, Diet, and Health in an Italian Population

Background/Objectives: The TAS1R2 SNP rs35874116 has previously been associated with sweet taste, diet, and health status, although never comprehensively in a single study. Also, associations between TAS1R2 and sweet taste might be body mass index (BMI)-dependent. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of rs35874116 and sweet taste intensity and liking, food liking, and diet and health status whilst considering BMI. Methods: Five-hundred and fifty-four participants were recruited. Linear regression models were used to explore rs35874116 associations with sweet taste intensity and liking, food liking, and diet and health status. A secondary analysis stratified participants by BMI <25/≥25 kg/m2. Results: The rs35874116 wildtype was associated with increased sweet taste intensity (p = 0.0345, B 1.29, SE 0.61) and liking (p = 0.021, B 0.25, SE 0.11). However, these associations only remained in BMI ≥25 individuals (intensity: p = 0.037, B 1.29, SE 0.61, liking: p = 0.008, B 0.46, SE 0.17). It was also associated with decreased diet quality (p = 0.03, B −0.27, SE 0.13) and reduced free sugar consumption but increased saturated fat consumption in BMI ≥25 individuals (free sugars: p = 0.0416, B −0.8, SE 0.38, saturated fat: p = 0.031, B 1.38, SE 0.62). There was no association with the mean liking score for sweet foods, although there were some associations with individual foods, which require further investigation. There were no associations with health status. Conclusions: This study revealed an association between the rs35874116 wildtype and an increased intensity and liking of the sweet taste and a corresponding worse overall dietary quality. This study adds to previous evidence regarding how associations between TAS1R2 and sweet taste are BMI-dependent.

The association between dietary diversity score and food insecurity and novel cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a cross-sectional study

The association between dietary diversity score and food insecurity and novel cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a cross-sectional study

Association between oxidative balance score and glaucoma in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) and glaucoma risk.MethodsUsing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2008), we analyzed 2,615 participants aged ≥40 years. OBS was calculated from 15 antioxidant and 5 pro-oxidant components, including dietary nutrients and lifestyle factors. Glaucoma was identified through self-reported diagnosis and retinal imaging. Survey-weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to assess associations.ResultsHigher OBS was associated with lower glaucoma risk (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–1.00). Participants in the highest OBS quartile showed 51% lower odds of glaucoma compared to the lowest quartile (adjusted OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27–0.90). The protective effect was more pronounced among middle-aged adults (40–60 years; OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.86–0.95) and males (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90–0.97).ConclusionHigher OBS were associated with lower glaucoma prevalence, particularly among middle-aged adults and males, suggesting potential benefits of maintaining oxidative balance in glaucoma prevention.

Serum Nutrients, Periodontitis and Biological Ageing.

Telomeres are nucleotide sequences found at the end of chromosomes, and their shortening is associated with chronological and biological ageing, oxidative stress and malnutrition. Shorter telomeres have been shown to be associated with periodontitis. Dietary nutrients are also influential factors in the aetiology and progression of periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. We tested the hypothesis that blood serum levels of folate, vitamin D, vitamin E, cis-β-carotene and/or β-cryptoxanthin are associated with telomere lengths and periodontitis and that these relationships are modified by factors that also affect periodontitis (e.g., age, sex, smoking, race/ethnicity). Laboratory and demographic data collected by the NHANES 1999-2002 survey of 10,793 study participants were analysed. The data included age (binned every 10 years starting at age 30), race/ethnicity (White, Black, Hispanic), sex (male, female), periodontitis (none/mild, moderate/severe), vitamin levels (low, medium, high), telomere lengths (base pairs) and smoking (yes, no). Statistical analyses were performed with ANOVA tests. Periodontitis was significantly associated with vitamin D, vitamin E and cis-β-carotene. Telomere length was significantly associated with vitamin E and cis-β-carotene. There were statistically significant interactions between the following vitamins and covariates on telomere length: folate and sex, vitamin D and periodontitis, vitamin D and race/ethnicity and vitamin E and sex. Certain blood nutrients may disrupt biological ageing, with periodontitis as a co-morbidity. Some of these relationships are modified by demographic variables such as sex and race/ethnicity.

Dietary modulation of epigenetics: Implications for cancer prevention and progression

Abstract Epidemiological studies indicate a strong correlation between various types of human cancer and dietary factors, whereas the specific mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA, are influenced by dietary components, especially phytochemicals and nutrients that participate in one-carbon metabolism. These alterations significantly impact cancer occurrence and progression. Consequently, epigenetic pathways may mediate the effects of diet on cancer risk. This review synthesizes the current information regarding the association of epigenetic alterations with cancer initiation and development, as well as the mechanisms by which diet exerts its influence on these changes. The goal of this minireview is to enhance the understanding of the roles of diet on epigenetic alterations to improve cancer prevention and treatment through diet.

Exploring Predictors of Type 2 Diabetes Within Animal-Sourced and Plant-Based Dietary Patterns with the XGBoost Machine Learning Classifier: NHANES 2013–2016

Background/Objectives: Understanding the relationship between dietary patterns, nutrient intake, and chronic disease risk is critical for public health strategies. However, confounding from lifestyle and individual factors complicates the assessment of diet–disease associations. Emerging machine learning (ML) techniques offer novel approaches to clarifying the importance of multifactorial predictors. This study investigated the associations between animal-sourced and plant-based dietary patterns and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) history, accounting for diet–lifestyle patterns employing the XGBoost algorithm. Methods: Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2016, individuals consuming animal-sourced foods (ASF) and plant-based foods (PBF) were propensity score-matched on key confounders, including age, gender, body mass index, energy intake, and physical activity levels. Predictors of T2D history were analyzed using the XGBoost classifier, with feature importance derived from Shapley plots. Lifestyle and dietary patterns derived from principal component analysis (PCA) were incorporated as predictors, and high multicollinearity among predictors was examined. Results: A total of 2746 respondents were included in the analysis. Among the top predictors of T2D were age, BMI, unhealthy lifestyle, and the ω6: ω3 fatty acid ratio. Higher intakes of protein from ASFs and fats from PBFs were associated with lower T2D risk. The XGBoost model achieved an accuracy of 83.4% and an AUROC of 68%. Conclusions: This study underscores the complex interactions between diet, lifestyle, and body composition in T2D risk. Machine learning techniques like XGBoost provide valuable insights into these multifactorial relationships by mitigating confounding and identifying key predictors. Future research should focus on prospective studies incorporating detailed nutrient analyses and ML approaches to refine prevention strategies and dietary recommendations for T2D.

Secondary bile acid derivatives are contributors to the fecal bile acid pool and associated with bile acid modulating nutrients.

Accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids is linked with cancer development. However, derivatives of deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) produced via bacterial metabolism may mitigate the proinflammatory and cytotoxic effects of hydrophobic bile acids. The impact of diet on secondary bile acid (BA) derivative production has not been determined. Therefore, associations between BA modulating nutrients and the composition of secondary BAs and their derivatives were investigated. Stool and blood were collected from 138 participants aged 45-75 years that self-identified as Black or non-Hispanic White. BAs were extracted from stool and serum and quantified using LC/ESI-MS/MS. Energy, macronutrients, micronutrients, and specific dietary nutrients were estimated from two 24-hour diet recalls. The abundance of genes for microbial BA metabolism were assessed from stool metagenomes. Kendall's tau correlation and regression-based modeling was performed to determine associations between BA categories, microbial genes, and select energy adjusted dietary variables (alcohol, calcium, coffee, fiber, fat, protein). Participants had a mean age of 60 years and a mean BMI of 31 kg/m2. BA derivatives were present in all participant stools, with lagodeoxycholic acid being the most abundant derivative quantified. Analysis of stool microbial metagenomes revealed the presence of genes for secondary BA derivative production in all participants. Protein is positively associated with the accumulation of secondary BAs. Monounsaturated fatty acids were negatively associated with high abundant derivatives of deoxycholic acid in regression models. Total fiber and coffee intake were positively correlated with increased conversion of BAs to derivatives. Race and smoking status were significant predictors of associations between dietary variables and BA derivatives. Protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, total fiber and coffee were significantly associated with concentrations of secondary BAs and their derivatives. Future work should account for social and structural influences on dietary intake and its relationship with BA elicited cancer risk.

An In-depth Analysis of Luteolin Regarding its Preclinical, Clinical and Nanoformulations Perspectives

A natural product is a natural compound or substance produced by a living organism- that is, found in nature. The term natural product has also been prolonged for commercial purposes to refers to dietary supplements, cosmetics and food produced from natural sources without added artificial ingredients. Luteolin, a bioflavonoid found abundantly in various fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential pharmacological properties. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted aspects of luteolin, encompassing clinical studies, experimental research, kinetic analyses, nanotechnology-based formulations, and synergistic interactions with conventional drugs. The introduction section describes the various sources and biological functions of luteolin and emphasizes its importance in the realm of medicine. The clinical studies section provides insights into the therapeutic potential of luteolin in various human diseases, highlighting its efficacy, safety profile, and potential mechanisms of action. Experimental studies exploring luteolin's mechanisms of action, cellular interactions, and therapeutic effects in various disease models. It elucidates underlying the biological mechanism of luteolin, shedding light on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, a detailed pharmacokinetic study examines the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of luteolin, offering valuable information for optimizing its dosing regimens and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. The integration of nanotechnology in luteolin formulations is discussed, focusing on innovative nanoformulations that improve its solubility, stability, and targeted delivery, thus enhancing its bioavailability and efficacy. Additionally, this review delves into the synergistic interactions between luteolin and conventional drugs, emphasizing the potential for combination therapies to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce adverse effects. The synergistic mechanisms, preclinical and clinical evidence, and future prospects of these combinations are explored in detail. Future applications of luteolin appear to be very promising in a variety of fields, including personalized medicine, disease-specific medicines, and preventative healthcare.

Fibre: The Forgotten Carbohydrate in Sports Nutrition Recommendations.

Although dietary guidelines concerning carbohydrate intake for athletes are well established, these do not include recommendations for daily fibre intake. However, there are many scenarios in sports nutrition in which common practice involves the manipulation of fibre intake to address gastrointestinal comfort around exercise, or acute or chronic goals around the management of body mass or composition. The effect of fibre intake in overall health is also important, particularly in combination with other dietary considerations such as the elevated protein requirements in this population. An athlete's habitual intake of dietary fibre should be assessed. If less than 20g a day, athletes may consider dietary interventions to gradually increase intake. It is proposed that a ramp phase is adopted to gradually increase fibre ingestion to ~ 30g of fibre a day (which includes ~ 2g of beta-glucan) over a duration of 6weeks. The outcomes of achieving a daily fibre intake are to help preserve athlete gut microbiome diversity and stability, intestinal barrier function as well as the downstream effects of short-chain fatty acids produced following the fermentation of microbiome accessible carbohydrates. Nevertheless, there are scenarios in which daily manipulation of fibre intake, either to reduce or increase intake, may be valuable in assisting the athlete to maintain gastrointestinal comfort during exercise or to contribute to body mass/composition goals. Although further research is required, the aim of this current opinion paper is to ensure that fibre is not forgotten as a nutrient in the athlete's diet.

Seafood supply mapping reveals production and consumption mismatches and large dietary nutrient losses through exports in the United Kingdom

AbstractSeafood can contribute towards healthy and sustainable food systems by improving public health and helping achieve net zero carbon emissions. Here, we provide a high-resolution perspective on UK seafood supplies and nutrient flows at the species level. We mapped seafood production (capture and aquaculture), trade (imports and exports), purchases (within and out of home) and seafood consumption between 2009 and 2020. UK dietary recommendations for finfish consumption were not achieved by domestic production nor national supplies. Mapping dietary nutrient flows revealed that the UK undergoes substantial losses of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, which could contribute 73%, 46% and 7% towards UK-recommended nutrient intakes, respectively, through exports of oily fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel. Policies should consider promoting greater consumption of locally produced oily fish species to improve public health and seafood system resilience.

Investigating how eating behavior shapes mental health: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between eating behavior, nutritional status and mental health. It is a cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 360 healthy individuals aged 19-64 years. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to evaluate mental health and the Three-Factor Eating Scale (TFEQ-R21) was used to assess eating behavior. The Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score was calculated from participants' 24 h food recalls as an indicator of diet quality. The mean age of the participants was 26.0 ± 8.40 years, and 50.6 % were female. Multivariate logistic regression model was performed. A statistically significant relationship was found between the participants' GHQ-12 score and both their emotional eating and uncontrolled eating scores (p < 0.001 for each). It was determined that individuals who had high levels of emotional eating and uncontrolled eating behaviors, along with higher dietary protein and lipid intake, and lower intake of long-chain fatty acids, were at a higher risk of mental health deterioration, according to the established model (R2 = 0.214). Dietary energy and nutrient intakes such as niacin, vitamin B12, folic acid, phosphorus, iron, sodium and carotene, as well as diet quality and BMI were not associated with mental health according to the model in this study. Eating behavior is associated with mental well-being, and nutritional status may be one of the underlying factors contributing to this association.

High-resolution isotope dietary analysis of Mesolithic and Neolithic humans from Franchthi Cave, Greece.

Franchthi Cave, in the Greek Peloponnese, is a well-known Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic site, with several human burials. In many parts of Europe there is clear evidence from archaeological and isotopic studies for a diet change between the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. This is especially the case in coastal contexts where there is often a shift from predominantly marine food diets in the Mesolithic to terrestrial (presumably domesticated) foods in the Neolithic. However, at Franchthi Cave previous isotope research did not show changes in diets between these two periods, and also showed relatively little input from marine foods in diets in either time period, despite the coastal location of the site and the presence of marine shellfish and fish, including tuna. High-resolution compound specific amino acid isotope analysis reported here from humans from the Lower Mesolithic and Middle Neolithic periods confirms the previous bulk isotope results in showing little or no consumption of marine foods in either time period. However, it is important to note that our isotopic sample does not come from episodes when tuna is abundant and therefore do not cover the whole range of known diets from the site. Conversely, in our sample there is some evidence of marine food consumption (likely seaweed) by sheep in the Neolithic period. We also report here five direct AMS radiocarbon dates for the five analyzed humans from the site.

Evaluation of pollution potential in swine manure across growth stages: Impact of dietary nutrients and management strategies.

Regulation of dietary nutrient fractions to control the release of labile manure pollutants in swine production remains a challenge. Feeding trials were conducted to assess the impact of dietary nutrient fractions on labile manure composition and pollution potential in pigs at different growth stages. The pigs were selected based on age (weaning=60days, feeding=100days, and finishing=160days), health, and average body weight (23.7kg, 50.5kg, and 109.0kg respectively) and fed with (1) high, (2) medium, and (3) low energy diets twice daily in all three growth stages. Urine and feces were collected for analysis. The study utilized correlation, nutrient balance analysis, and theoretical models to evaluate the dietary impact on nutrient distribution and pollution potential. Results showed higher nutrient retention (N, P, Cu, Zn) with the high-energy diet across all growth stages compared to the other two diet energy levels. Correlation analysis revealed that pigs' weight gain does not reflect dietary efficiency nor indicate lower pollution potential from nutrient retention. However, dietary nutrient fractions played more significant role in labile manure release compare to the total manure component. Overall, the dietary regulatory approach offers a sustainable strategy to mitigate environmental pollution while supporting nutrient recycling using manure with lower pollutant loads.

Peripheral Blood ABCG1 Gene DNA Methylation: Mediating the Relationship between Dietary Intake of Methyl Donor Nutrients and Stroke Risk

Dysregulation of methyl donor nutrients interferes with DNA methylation and is associated with neurological diseases. ABCG1 gene regulates cholesterol to HDL-C, maintains lipid homeostasis, and has been linked to both methyl nutrition and neurological risks. The aim was to investigate whether there is an effect of ABCG1 DNA methylation on the relationship between intake of methyl donor nutrients and the risk of stroke occurrence. We hypothesize that the intake of methyl donor nutrients may influence stroke occurrence by modulating the methylation status of ABCG1. This study utilized a case-control design and selected 52 stroke patients along with 52 healthy controls from Northwest China. Dietary information was collected using a FFQ, and methylation levels were measured at 29 CpG sites of the ABCG1 gene. A significant linear trend was found between dietary intake of the methyl donor nutrient choline and CpG_19.20 methylation of the ABCG1 gene (β = -0.037, P = 0.033). Additionally, a significant association was observed between CpG_19.20 methylation and the risk of stroke (OR 2.325, 95% CI 1.210 - 4.466). Mediation analysis revealed that choline intake indirectly influenced stroke occurrence through its effect on CpG_19.20 methylation levels in the ABCG1 gene (β = -0.015, SE = 0.013, 95% CI = [-0.053, -0.001]). We found that DNA methylation at specific CpG sites of the peripheral blood ABCG1 gene mediates the association between dietary methyl donor nutrient intake and stroke risk in an adult population from Northwest China. New insights are provided on the prevention and treatment of stroke.

Appraising the role of biotics and fermented foods in gut microbiota modulation and sleep regulation.

Sleep disturbances are increasingly prevalent, significantly impacting physical and mental health. Recent research reveals a bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and sleep, mediated through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This review examines the role of gut microbiota in sleep physiology and explores how biotics, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fermented foods, can enhance sleep quality. Drawing from animal and human studies, we discuss neurobiological mechanisms by which biotics may influence sleep, including modulation of neurotransmitters, immune responses, and hormonal regulation. Key microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, are highlighted for their role in supporting sleep-related neurochemical processes. Additionally, this review presents dietary strategies and food processing technologies, like fermentation, as innovative approaches for sleep enhancement. Although promising, the available research has limitations, including small sample sizes, variability in biotic strains and dosages, and reliance on subjective sleep assessments. This review underscores the need for standardized protocols, objective assessments such as polysomnography, and personalized biotic interventions. Emerging findings highlight the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota modulation for sleep improvement, though further large-scale human trials are essential to refine strain selection, dosage, and formulation. This interdisciplinary exploration seeks to advance food-based interventions and holistic strategies for managing sleep disorders and improving quality of life.

Drivers of stunting and wasting across serial cross-sectional household surveys of children under 2 years of age in Pakistan: potential contribution of ecological factors.

The impact of direct and indirect drivers on linear growth and wasting in young children is of public health interest. While the contributions of poverty, maternal education, empowerment and birth weight to early childhood growth are well recognized, the contribution of environmental factors like heat, precipitation, agriculture outputs and food security in comparable datasets is less well established. To investigate the association of length-for-age z-score (LAZ) and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) with various indicators among children under 2 years of age in Pakistan using representative household level nutrition surveys and ecological datasets. Using geo-tagged metadata from Pakistan's 2011 and 2018 National Nutrition Surveys (NNS), anthropometric data from 29,887 children (9,231 from 2011 and 20,656 from 2018) were analyzed. Dietary intake and food security data for 140 districts were linked to gridded data on temperature, precipitation and soil moisture, and district measures of agriculture production of edible crops. Multiple linear regressions assessed factors associated with length for age Z score (LAZ) and weight for length z scores (WLZ) in index children. LAZ was positively associated with improved socio-economic conditions (β=0.06), food security (β=0.10), birth size (β=0.26), maternal age (β=0.02), BMI (β=0.02), height (β=0.02) and dietary score (β=0.03). Negative associations with LAZ were found for increased temperature, precipitation, diarrhea, household crowding and parity. Similar patterns were observed with WLZ for higher surface temperatures and precipitation were associated with declines in linear growth, alongside increased diarrhea prevalence and higher maternal parity. Apart from recognized multifactorial drivers of stunting and wasting among children such as poverty, food insecurity and maternal undernutrition, our analysis suggest the potential independent association with climatic factors such as heat and excess precipitation over time. These findings underscore the need for further research and potential integration of climatic mitigation and adaptation with nutrition response strategies.

Effect of food cultural beliefs on the dietary pattern and food practices of children in Ondo West local area of Ondo state

Effect of food cultural beliefs on the dietary pattern and food practices of children in Ondo West local area of Ondo state

Ultra-trace elemental determination of Si by means of graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry

We present a validated GF-AAS method for ultra-trace Si determination in food simulants, achieving quantification limits of 0.2 μg L− 1 in ethanol and 0.4 μg L−1 in acetic acid, supporting safety standards for dietary supplements and food products.

Children's views on outdoor advertising of unhealthy food and beverages near schools.

Children are often exposed to unhealthy outdoor food advertisements during the school commute. This exposure can have negative public health consequences given childhood weight gain has been linked to the marketing of energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods. This study aimed to explore schoolchildren's lived experiences and attitudes towards outdoor advertising surrounding their schools. Seven focus groups with children aged 10 to 16 years (n=47) attending schools located in areas with high densities of unhealthy outdoor advertising were conducted in Perth, Western Australia, between July and October 2023. Study participants were aware of outdoor advertising of unhealthy food and beverages near their school, with many reporting that it impacted their food preferences and diet. Many participants felt it was unethical to advertise unhealthy food and beverages around schools and strongly supported restricting alcohol advertising within school precincts. Participants suggested a range of strategies to manage outdoor advertising of unhealthy food and beverages, including banning advertisements on public transport. These findings have the potential to impact State and local government policies affecting children's exposure to unhealthy outdoor advertising, serving as a crucial strategy in the fight against childhood obesity and reduced alcohol intake in children.

Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and worse diet quality in colorectal cancer patients after colostomy: A prospective study.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is commonly treated with intestinal resections that lead to colostomy, which can influence changes in eating habits. This study aimed to analyze energy and nutrient intake, diet quality, and food consumption based on the processing level in CRC patients after colostomy. A prospective study was carried out at three time points (T0-recent colostomy, T1-3 months after colostomy, and T2-6 months after colostomy). Food intake was assessed by 24-hour dietary recall. Macro-micronutrient consumption, the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised (BHEI-R), and food consumption according to processing level by NOVA classification (raw or minimally processed, processed, and ultra-processed foods) were estimated. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the food intake variables with time points. Of the 46 patients, 52.2% were women, and the mean age was 60.6±12.2 years old. There was a change in food consumption over time, with an increase in energy consumption (kcal and kcal/kg), lipids, and sodium, in addition to a reduction in some nutrients such as protein (g and g/kg), fiber, vitamin B1 and C and phosphorus. Regarding the key outcomes, BHEI-R and NOVA classification showed a poor diet quality with a reduction in total index (p = 0.022), raw food (p = 0.001), total fruits, and whole fruit consumption (p = 0.001), and an increase in sodium (p = 0.001) at 3 and/or 6 months after colostomy concomitant an increase in ultra-processed food (p = 0.015). Nutritional counseling is essential in care, effective eating changes habits improvement of symptoms and nutritional status, besides avoiding potential cancer recurrence.