Dietary Fiber Consumption Research Articles

Predicting Personalized Responses to Dietary Fiber Interventions: Opportunities for Modulation of the Gut Microbiome to Improve Health.

Inadequate dietary fiber consumption has become common across industrialized nations, accompanied by changes in gut microbial composition and a dramatic increase in chronic metabolic diseases. The human gut microbiome harbors genes that are required for the digestion of fiber, resulting in the production of end products that mediate gastrointestinal and systemic benefits to the host. Thus, the use of fiber interventions has attracted increasing interest as a strategy to modulate the gut microbiome and improve human health. However, considerable interindividual differences in gut microbial composition have resulted in variable responses toward fiber interventions. This variability has led to observed nonresponder individuals and highlights the need for personalized approaches to effectively redirect the gut ecosystem. In this review, we summarize strategies used to address the responder and nonresponder phenomenon in dietary fiber interventions and propose a targeted approach to identify predictive features based on knowledge of fiber metabolism and machine learning approaches.

A Study on the Relationship among Dietary Fiber Intake, Type 2 Diabetes, Microbiota and Immune System

With rapid socioeconomic development and demographic changes, the global diabetes mellitus pandemic becomes an alarming problem. It is necessary to extenuate the incidence of diabetes mellitus and discover potential effective treatments. Dietary fiber (DF) takes an important place in a healthy diet and they are mainly present in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, nuts, and beans. The global dietary fiber consumption trend is projected to continuously increase as the public became aware of its importance. Recent clinical trials indicated that the amount of dietary fiber was correlated with the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) rate. In the current research, an underlying mechanism will be investigated. Several groups proved that dietary fiber intake could influence the diversity of intestinal microbiota and a decrease in microbiota composition could further affect the level of inflammation in the human immune system. Other studies also reflected that both the composition of gastrointestinal microflora and inflammation level was associated with the incidence of T2DM. The finding suggested a lower level of inflammation tended to have a lower rate of T2DM. Hence, the level of dietary fiber intake could eventually have an impact on T2DM incidence.

Exploration of the role of bound polyphenols on tea residues dietary fiber improving diabetic hepatorenal injury and metabolic disorders

Consumption of tea residues dietary fiber (TRDF) contributed to the relief of hyperglycemia symptoms in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Given the properties of TRDF abundant in bound polyphenols, the research intended to evaluate the effect of the presence or absence of bound polyphenols in TRDF on the improvement of diabetic complications (liver and kidney injury, metabolic disorders) in T2D rats induced by high-fat diet and streptozocin injection. Our results revealed that the presence of bound polyphenols in TRDF was remarkably beneficial for the amelioration of liver and kidney damage caused by T2D, which was supported by significant differences in activities of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT), contents of inflammatory factors in liver and kidney, the levels of kidney oxidative stress, as well as histopathological status between TRDF and bound polyphenols removed-TRDF (TRDF-DF) groups. In addition, metabolomic analysis revealed that TRDF interventions could increase the levels of metabolites such as S-Adenosylmethionine, L-Homophenylalanine and Riboflavin, as well as differ in the regulation of the metabolic pathways including arachidonic acid metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism as compared to TRDF-DF without bound polyphenols. These results suggested that bound polyphenols ensured the health-promoting effects for T2D complications of TRDF.

The effect of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and dietary fiber.

BackgroundGene polymorphisms may explain the controversy on the association between colorectal cancer (CRC) and dietary fibers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and dietary fiber.MethodsThis case-control study was conducted on 160 CRC cases and 320 healthy controls in Tehran, Iran. The participants' food intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The frequency of rs9939609 FTO polymorphism in the case and control groups was determined using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation (tetra-ARMS) method.ResultsIn the participants with the TT genotype of the FTO rs9939609, the cases had higher BMI and lower intake of dietary fiber compared to the controls (P = 0.01). Among A allele carriers of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism, the cases had higher BMI (P = 0.04) and lower intake of total fiber (P = 0.02) and soluble fiber (P = 0.02). An inverse association was found between CRC and dietary fiber intake among those with the AA/AT FTO rs9939609 genotype after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI, and calorie intake (OR = 0.9, CI 95%:0.84–0.92, P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study found a link between higher dietary fiber consumption and a lower risk of CRC in A-allele carriers of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism. Future studies are needed to identify the underlying mechanisms of the association between CRC and dietary fibers in people with different FTO genotypes.

Association between diet and fecal microbiota along the first year of life

Extensive work has established the importance of the gut microbiota during the first years of life. However, there are few longitudinal studies describing the role of infants' diet on the evolution of the fecal microbiota and their metabolic activity during this stage. The aim of this work was to explore the impact of diet on the composition of the major intestinal microorganisms and their main microbial metabolites from birth to 12 months. This is a longitudinal prospective study of diet and fecal microbiota. Bacterial groups levels were determined by qPCR and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations by gas chromatography. Information from self-administered questionnaires about general characteristics and food frequency were obtained from a cohort of 83, Spanish and full-term, infants at 15, 90, 180 and 365 days of age. Results revealed that Enterobacteriaceae decrease in weaning period contrary to Bacteroides group and Clostridium cluster IV. Conclusionour study supports weaning period as a key step for gut microbiota transition and suggests the importance of the consumption of dietary fiber with the increase of certain bacterial groups as Clostridium cluster IV, which could be beneficial for the host. Finally, studies specially designed to analyze the production and the excretion of SCFAs in children are needed to understand how diet could influence in this process.

Association of fruits, vegetables, and fiber intake with COVID-19 severity and symptoms in hospitalized patients: A cross-sectional study.

Background and aimsFruits and vegetables are rich in fiber and a good source of anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We investigated the association between fruits, vegetables, and fiber intake and severity of COVID-19 and related symptoms in hospitalized patients.MethodsA total of 250 COVID-19 hospitalized patients aged 18 to 65 years were recruited for this cross-sectional study in Kashan, Iran, between June and September of 2021. Dietary intakes were assessed using an online validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). COVID-19 severity and symptoms were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines. Moreover, we examined COVID-19 symptoms, inflammatory biomarkers, and additional factors.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 44.2 ± 12.1 years, and 46% had severe COVID-19. Patients with higher consumption of fruits (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.58, P-trend <0.001), vegetables (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16-0.69, P-trend <0.001), and dietary fiber (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.12-0.53, P-trend <0.001) had lower odds of having severe COVID-19. In addition, they had shorter hospitalization and convalescence periods, lower serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and a reduced risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms such as sore throat, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, myalgia, cough, weakness, fever, and chills.ConclusionHigher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber was inversely linked with COVID-19 severity, clinical symptoms, hospitalization and convalescence duration, and CRP concentrations. The results should be interpreted with caution in light of the limitations, and prospective cohort studies are required to further evaluate these findings.

Is Better Knowledge about Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber Related to Food Labels Reading Habits? A Croatian Overview.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between health dietary patterns, knowledge, and consumption of dietary fiber (DF) with frequency of food label reading on food products with special reference to DF. The study was conducted in 2536 Croatian adults using an original questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess associations between food label reading habits and predictor variables. Our study confirms the association between habits regarding the reading of labels on food products, especially in relation to information about DF with the sociodemographic factors of respondents, dietary food patterns and DF consumption, as well as knowledge and sources of information about DF. Women, individuals with a university-level education, and those living in an urban environment had more frequent labels used. Food habits as well as eating outside of the home were positive predictors while eating fast food was a negative predictor of food label reading. Knowledge about DF, especially about its health benefits, was also associated with food label reading. The interpretation of associations could help with the design of effective public health programs. Targeted education campaigns to educate and sensitize the population about food labeling and monitoring may improve general knowledge about healthy food and its benefits, which include indirect effects on the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Association between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and food markers: National Dietary Survey 2008-2009.

We aimed to analyze the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption with healthy food markers (HFM) and unhealthy food markers (UFM) as well as their impact on these markers in the Brazilian population's diet. Food consumption during two nonconsecutive days of food records of individuals aged ten years or over were investigated in the National Dietary Survey 2008-2009 (n = 32,900) and the caloric contributions of HFM and UFM were distributed according to the categories of SSB consumption. Multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the associations between the consumption of SSB and the impact of a 50% reduction in portion size and dietary markers. The contribution of energy from HFM was higher among individuals who did not consume SSB. A 50% reduction in the average portion of SSB in the population would imply a 6% decrease in energy contribution to the diet and 12% decrease in total energy from added sugar. It would increase the consumption of HFM and dietary fiber by 7g and 4g, respectively. A 50% reduction in SSB serving size is a strategy that could improve the quality of the diet, increase the consumption of HFM and fiber and reduce the consumption of sugar and UFM.

Incremental monounsaturated to saturated fat ratio and fibre consumption is associated with a reduction in a composite score of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors: Prospective results from the Moli-sani study.

Background/ObjectivesUnsaturated fats, fibre-rich foods and polyphenols are distinctive features of a traditional Mediterranean diet and have pleiotropic properties possibly contributing to reduce the long-term risk of non-communicable diseases and mortality associated with this diet. We aimed to evaluate whether changes over time in dietary fats, fibre and polyphenols consumption are associated with modifications in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.MethodsThe analytic sample consists of a sub-cohort of 2023 men and women enrolled in the Moli-sani Study (n = 24,325). Dietary and health data were obtained both at baseline (2005–2010) and at re-examination (2017–2020). The exposures were changes in dietary fats, fibre and polyphenols consumption measured after 12.7 years (median), and the outcome was change in a composite score including 13 modifiable CVD risk factors (e.g., blood lipids, C-reactive protein), measured both at enrolment and after the 12.7 years period.ResultsIn multivariable-adjusted analysis including lifestyles, sociodemographic and clinical factors, an incremental intake of the ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fats or of fibre was associated with a reduction in the composite score of CVD risk factors (β = −0.086; 95%CI −0.150, −0.021 and β = −0.051; 95%CI −0.091, −0.012, respectively). Change in polyphenol intake was not associated with a substantial variation in the CVD risk score (p = 0.15).ConclusionsAn incremental consumption over time of monounsaturated versus saturated fats and of fibre was associated with an improvement in modifiable CVD risk factors as reflected by a composite score.

Eating Habits, Risk of Breast Cancer, and Diet-Dependent Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women after Mastectomy.

The present study examined dietary risk factors for breast cancer, their association with quality of life, and changes in eating habits in postmenopausal women after mastectomy. The study included 210 women with histologically confirmed invasive breast cancer and 225 women without a cancer diagnosis. Questionnaire data on frequency of intake of 40 different foods, the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire, and SF-36 for evaluation of quality of life were used. All questionnaire data in the patient group were collected after diagnosis. Questions about eating habits covered two time points—before breast cancer diagnosis and after completion of treatment. Logistic regression was applied to calculate the odds ratios of breast cancer risk and 95% confidence intervals. A significant positive association was found between the risk of breast cancer and more frequent intake of red meat, smoked products, offal, animal fat, white bread, potatoes, and sweets, high intake of total fat, and low consumption of dietary fibre. Foods that were inversely associated with the risk of breast cancer included fish, vegetables, fruit, wholemeal bread, and groats. The relationship between quality of life and dietary habits according to the Block Eating Frequency Questionnaire was analysed using multiple regression. It was shown that high intake of total fat reduces the quality of life in its mental components. We observed a positive change in eating habits after cancer diagnosis, albeit not always to the level in the control group. As an important lifestyle component, the diet is of great significance for primary prevention of breast cancer as well as for improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Determinants of Healthy Lifestyles

Advances in science and technology have had a great impact on improving people's health, but there has also been an increase in chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs), some of them related to lifestyle (LS). This work deals with the study of LSs and their impact on the health of the individual, its most representative elements are analyzed, and recommendations are made about healthy behaviors. The LS refers to the habitual behaviors of the individual, characteristics of the individual behavior that are repeated throughout life. A healthy LS refers to behaviors that maintain health and reduce the risk of getting sick. Many of the CNCDs are related to four modifiable risk factors: tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and alcohol abuse. Diet, as part of lifestyles, involves a great complexity; however, the common element to prevent the development of chronic non-communicable diseases is the recommendation to address the intake of specific foods, such as limiting saturated fatty acids, increasing the consumption of dietary fiber, decreasing the consumption of simple carbohydrates, sodium, and alcohol. Food involves great complexity that ranges from food selection, consumption capacity, cultural aspects, knowledge about food, among others. Physical activity favors the ability to maintain independence, vitality, and quality of life in old age, it is important to have a balanced program. Substance abuse leads to risk behaviors and can lead to addiction. Adequate sleep is important for maintaining brain health throughout life. Maintaining a large social network can help promote healthy cognitive aging. Jobs that have the common characteristic of spending a lot of time sitting are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.&#x0D;

Storage Stability of High Fiber Snack Bar

Background: Recently, there has been considerable interest in increasing the dietary fiber content in food products because of inadequate dietary fiber consumption when considering the daily recommended intake. To increase dietary fiber intake, dietary fiber fortified foods are recommended. This study aimed to develop a high fiber snack bar (HFSB) using a combination of Jerusalem artichoke powder (JAP) and low-fat desiccated coconut (LFDC) as sources of dietary fiber. Methods: The changes in physicochemical and microbiological properties, and sensory acceptability were measured during storage at 35 oC and 45 oC for 12 weeks. Therefore, the shelf-life of the products was calculated by Q10 test. Results: The HFSB had a higher L* value (lightness) than control (C) due to the addition of LFDC. Total dietary fiber of the HFSB was approximately 3.7 times higher than that of the C formula. The L*, a*, and b* values of both C and HFSB were statistically significant different (p&lt;0.05) after storage. The total color different (ï¿¿E) values of the HFSB were higher than those of the C formula due to inulin from JAP, which participated in the Maillard reaction. During storage, the moisture content (MC) and water activity (aw) of the HFSB remained more stable compared to those of the C due to the water-holding capacity of the fiber used. The aw of the C and HFSB during storage were in the range of 0.57 to 0.60 and 0.53 to 0.57, respectively. Those ranges should be stable against microbial growth. Higher storage temperature would increase the TBARS values and decrease the pH (p&lt;0.05) of the C and HFSB due to deterioration. In terms of shelf-life calculation, the C and HFSB snack bar could be kept in metalized polyester at 30 oC for 11 weeks. Conclusion: The JAP and LFDC exhibited great potential for use as fiber ingredients. Although the JAP and LFDC influenced the physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability, the shelf-life of both C and HFSB was comparable. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to extend the shelf-life of the formulated snack bar. Keywords: Snack bar, High fiber, Jerusalem artichoke, Low-fat desiccated coconut, Shelf-life Received: 8 May 2019 Reviewed: 14 June 2019 Revised: 26 June 2019 Accepted: 19 July 2019 DOI: 10.35898/ghmj-33585

Associations between Consumption of Dietary Fibers and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Mortality in Chinese Adults: Longitudinal Analyses from the China Health and Nutrition Survey.

Although many studies have explored the relationship between total dietary fiber intake and the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases, the results are mixed. There is also a lack of research on the association between dietary fiber intake from different food sources and disease. Using data from the China Nutrition and Health Database from 2004 to 2015, Cox proportional risk models were used to explore the associations between total dietary fiber and fiber intake from different food sources and the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. After multi-factorial adjustment, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of total dietary fiber intake (quartile 4 vs. quartile 1) in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality cohorts were 1.20 (0.93, 1.55), 0.91 (0.75, 1.12), 0.93 (0.64, 1.35), 1.13 (0.60, 2.12), 1.13 (0.60, 2.12), and 1.13 (0.84, 1.52). Whole-grain fiber intake was positively associated with hypertension but not with the occurrence of other diseases. No association was observed between legume fibers, fruit fibers, and vegetable fibers in the cohorts of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. Our study did not find any association between total dietary fiber and dietary fiber intake from different food sources and type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality in the Chinese population. The role of dietary fiber in the Chinese population may be overestimated. More extraordinary efforts are needed to further confirm the association between dietary fiber and these diseases in the Chinese population.

Consumption of Dietary Fiber with Different Physicochemical Properties during Late Pregnancy Alters the Gut Microbiota and Relieves Constipation in Sow Model.

Constipation is a common problem in sows and women during late pregnancy. Dietary fiber has potential in the regulation of intestinal microbiota, thereby promoting intestinal motility and reducing constipation. However, the effects of fibers with different physicochemical properties on intestinal microbe and constipation during late pregnancy have not been fully explored. In this study, a total of 80 sows were randomly allocated to control and one of three dietary fiber treatments from day 85 of gestation to delivery: LIG (lignocellulose), PRS (resistant starch), and KON (konjaku flour). Results showed that the defecation frequency and fecal consistency scores were highest in PRS. PRS and KON significantly increased the level of gut motility regulatory factors, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), motilin (MTL), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in serum. Moreover, PRS and KON promoted the IL-10 level and reduced the TNF-α level in serum. Furthermore, maternal PRS and KON supplementation significantly reduced the number of stillborn piglets. Microbial sequencing analysis showed that PRS and KON increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing genera Bacteroides and Parabacteroides and decreased the abundance of endotoxin-producing bacteria Desulfovibrio and Oscillibacter in feces. Moreover, the relative abundance of Turicibacter and the fecal butyrate concentration in PRS were the highest. Correlation analysis further revealed that the defecation frequency and serum 5-HT were positively correlated with Turicibacter and butyrate. In conclusion, PRS is the best fiber source for promoting gut motility, which was associated with increased levels of 5-HT under specific bacteria Turicibacter and butyrate stimulation, thereby relieving constipation. Our findings provide a reference for dietary fiber selection to improve intestinal motility in late pregnant mothers.

The Role of Fibre Intake in Combination With Physical Activity in Reducing Body Composition Parameters

Abstract Objectives To investigate the dual effect of physical activity and fibre intake on body composition parameters in males and females. This study hypothesises that the relationship between body composition parameters and fibre intake is dependent on physical activity and gender. Methods This study included 8958 individuals (5438 males and 3520 females) from the Airwave Health Monitoring Study, which uses the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to categorise Physical Activity Levels (PAL) into low (PAL 1.4), medium (PAL 1.6) and high (PAL 1.8)1,2. Dietary fibre intake was measured by 7-day food records3. The effect of physical activity and fibre consumption on four body composition parameters: BMI, body weight, waist circumference and body fat% was investigated using ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. Results There were significantly lower values for all tested body composition parameters in the highly physically active group (PAL 1.8; n = 4464) compared to the least physically active group (PAL 1.4; n = 1388) after adjustment for age, gender and energy intake. PAL 1.8 participants were categorised into quartiles of dietary fibre intake. After adjusting for age, gender, energy intake and total Mets (amount of energy expended carrying out physical activity), we found that those with the highest daily fibre consumption (³13g/ 1000 kcal; n = 1136) had a mean of 0.5 kg/m2 (BMI; SE = 0.2, p = 0.014), 1.1kg (body weight; SE = 0.8, p = 0.059), 2.4 cm (waist circumference; SE = 0.6, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and 1.6% (Body Fat%; SE = 0.4, p &amp;lt; 0.001) lower than those with lowest fibre consumption (≤6.1 g/1000 kcal, n = 1088) (table2). When separate gender analysis was conducted, the difference in the four measurements between the groups with highest and lowest fibre intake was significant in males only (BMI: 0.9 kg/m2; SE = 0.2, p &amp;lt; 0.001, body weight: 2.4 kg; SE = 0.9, p = 0.002, waist circumference: 3.1cm; SE = 0.7, p &amp;lt; 0.001, body fat%: 2.3%; SE = 0.4, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions The present study is the first to examine the impact of dietary fibre intake on body composition measures in physically active adults. The study shows that dietary fibre consumption is capable of improving body composition in physically active individuals, however, this effect was driven by changes in males. Funding Sources Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK.

Carbohydrate Active Enzyme Profiles of Gut Microbiomes From Low and Adequate Fiber Consumers in a Healthy U.S. Cohort

ObjectivesCarbohydrate structures are incredibly diverse, but humans possess only about a dozen endogenous enzymes to break down carbohydrates in the diet. Microbial enzymes, produced by the gut microbiota, can degrade and ferment what human bodies cannot. We studied the microbial genes for enzymes that degrade carbohydrates in the microbiota of healthy adult men and women in the USDA Nutritional Phenotyping Study. Individual carbohydrate active enzyme (CAZyme) gene abundances and CAZyme family diversity metrics were compared between groups of adequate and low fiber consumers in the study. We hypothesized that the CAZyme profiles of these different fiber consumption groups would differ, with adequate fiber consumers showing higher CAZyme family diversity and a different suite of CAZyme genes than the low fiber consumers.MethodsThe USDA Nutritional Phenotyping Study is a cross-sectional observational trial designed to evaluate dietary and other factors associated with metabolic health. Participants completed dietary recalls with ASA24 and a Block 2014 Food frequency questionnaire and submitted stool samples for shotgun metagenomics and fecal pH measurements. Adequate (14g/1000kcal) and low fiber consumers (lowest quartile) were identified using both dietary instruments. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and sequenced. Shotgun metagenomes (n = 290) were analyzed and mapped to the CAZy database. DESeq2 was used to compare CAZyme gene abundances. Plant substrate CAZyme family diversity using the Chao1 and Shannon metrics were tested for association with fecal pH by regression model.ResultsPlant substrate CAZyme family Chao1 and Shannon diversity metrics were negatively associated with fecal pH (p = 0.0009 and p = 0.0008, respectively) but were not significantly different between the consumers of adequate (n = 47) and low fiber (n = 34). However, the abundance of 28 genes for CAZyme glycoside hydrolases differed significantly between adequate and low fiber groups.ConclusionsTaken together, the enzymatic capacity of the gut microbiome may only be partly explained by habitual or recent consumption of dietary fiber.Funding SourcesUSDA ARS 2032–51,530-026–00D.

Assessment of Weight Status, Food Security Level, and Fiber Intake Among Hispanic/Latino Adults Residing in New Hampshire

ObjectivesTo assess weight status, food security level, and dietary intake, emphasizing consumption of fiber-rich foods, among adults of Hispanic/Latino background. MethodsThis cross-sectional phone-based survey was administered in English or Spanish, and included questionnaires on weight history, dietary intake (NHANES Dietary Screener Questionnaire), and food security (USDA Household Food Security Survey Module) as experienced before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible participants were New Hampshire adult residents who identified as Hispanic/Latino. Responses were scored using protocols by questionnaire developers. Analysis of covariance was applied to determine the relationship between weight status, food security level, and dietary intake. Age and gender were included as covariates. ResultsParticipants (N = 73; mean (SD) age = 44 (15) years; 84% female) were predominantly immigrants (85%) who had lived in the US for 12.1 (9.4) years or were US citizens of Puerto Rican origin (11%). Self-perception of health status noted as ‘good,’ ‘very good,’ or ‘excellent’ was reported by 81% of participants. There was a high prevalence of overweight (35%) and obesity (33%), with an average self-reported body mass index (BMI) of 28.7 (5.5) kg/m2. Weight gain during the pandemic was reported by 44% of participants, particularly those with obesity (67%), while weight status was perceived to be in the healthy range by 49% of participants. Perceived weight status and BMI category matched for 48% of subjects with overweight and 88% for subjects with obesity. Estimated daily consumption of dietary fiber was lower (15 (2.4) g/d) than recommended levels (22–34 g/d) but was not correlated with food security level or BMI. On average, men consumed more fiber (18.7 vs. 14.7 g/d, p < .0001) and vegetables (1.8 vs. 1.5 cup equivalents/d, p < .0001) than women. Low and very low food security increased from 25% pre-pandemic to 27% during the pandemic, while marginal food security increased from 10% to 16%. ConclusionsThe exacerbation of food insecurity during the pandemic, along with a high burden of overweight/obesity, low awareness of overweight status, and low fiber intake among NH Hispanics warrant the development of interventions to enhance nutrition security and weight management in this population. Funding SourcesUniversity of New Hampshire.

New Specialized Kombucha-Based Non-alcoholic Pasteurized Beverage Shows Favorable Profile of Short-Term Safety and Tolerability in Patients With Constipation.

ObjectivesKombucha is a globally known beverage, perceived as “healthy”. It may be a basis for the development of new specialized beverages to increase dietary fiber consumption. However, safety and tolerability of the kombucha-based beverages is poorly studied yet. Aim: to assess short-term safety and tolerability of new kombucha-based pasteurized specialized non-alcoholic beverage, enriched with inulin.MethodsThis study (NCT05164861) enrolled subjects with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (per ROME IV). The subjects were randomized to receive either 220 ml of the non-alcoholic kombucha-based pasteurized beverage (KG), enriched with inulin (1.15 g/100ml) or 220 ml water (control group, CG), for 10 days. Except study product, subjects were advised to follow their usual diet. Organoleptic evaluation of the beverage; assessment of symptoms (abdominal pain/discomfort, abdominal fullness, bloating, heartburn) with the use of 5-point Likert scale; blood chemistry and hematology were performed before (BL) and on the 10th day of study (EOT). Patients were asked to report any adverse events during the study period.ResultsThere were 20 subjects in KG and 20 in CG groups. New specialized food product was well-tolerated, no SAE occurred during the study. No exacerbation of the pre-existing symptoms was observed in KG, including abdominal pain/discomfort (1.28 ± 0.56 vs 1.25 ± 0.56; p > 0.05), abdominal fullness (1.53 ± 0.69 vs 1.22 ± 0.47; p > 0.05), bloating (1.60 ± 0.64 vs 1.37 ± 0.60; p > 0.05), and heartburn (1.28 ± 0.62 vs 1.25 ± 0.52; p > 0.05) during the study. The rate of AEs was low (5%) and did not differ compared to CG. Mean integrative score of organoleptic evaluation of the beverage was good (91.0 ± 13.7%) with non-significant increase at EOT (94.2 ± 6.5%). No laboratory AE were observed.ConclusionsThis study suggest that new specialized kombucha-based drink enriched with inulin is well-tolerated, and has favorable safety profile.Funding SourcesRussian Science Foundation (research grant # 19-76-30,014).

Climate-Changed Wheat: The Effect of Smaller Kernels on the Nutritional Value of Wheat

Through plant breeding and improved agronomy, the average wheat kernel size increased globally by about 40% from 1940 to 2000. Millers demand larger kernels because they contain more white flour (endosperm). Climate pressures are resulting in frequently reduced kernel size and routine rejection by the commodity system. If whole-wheat flour instead of white flour is the target, these smaller kernels have unrealized value. A total of 94% of Americans do not meet the recommended fiber intake, and inadequate fiber intake plays a role in the development of multiple chronic diseases. A total of 98% of the fiber in wheat is found in the bran. Bran content was measured in “big” (x¯ = 0.042 g/kernel) and “small” (x¯ = 0.023 g/kernel) kernels in nine varieties over locations and years. On average, small kernels contained 15.9% more bran than big kernels (n = 54, p &lt; 0.001) and, thus, had higher mineral and fiber content. In the majority of cases, baking showed no difference in whole-wheat quality among flours within the same variety, regardless of kernel size, based on bread slice height and surface area. Wheat that was rejected by commercial mills as too small produced satisfactory bread. Favoring larger kernels and white flour production has unintended health consequences. Valuing smaller kernels and whole-wheat production provides an outlet for farmers dealing with increasing climate pressures and leads to an end-use product which can improve human health by increasing dietary fiber consumption.

Dietary fiber and fermented food consumption and its link to allergic responses

The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.