Dietary Intake Research Articles

A comparative study for organophosphate triesters and diesters in mice via oral gavage exposure: Tissue distribution, excreta elimination, metabolites and toxicity

Organophosphate triesters (tri-OPEs) and diesters (di-OPEs) may threaten human health through dietary intake, whereas little information is available about their fate in mammals. Herein, mice exposure experiments were carried out through gavage with six tri-OPEs and six di-OPEs, respectively. The residual levels of di-OPEs in mice were generally higher than those of tri-OPEs. The residual di-OPEs mainly distributed in the liver and blood while the most tri-OPEs remained in stomach, indicating easier transfer and lower metabolism levels of di-OPEs. The accumulation of tri- and di-OPEs with large octanol–water partition coefficients and long carbon chain were observed in tissues and feces, implying that the elimination of these OPEs through fecal excretion is an important elimination pathway. A total of 86 OPE metabolites were found in murine urine and feces, 57 of which were identified for the first time. For tri-OPEs, carboxylated OPEs had higher peak intensities and fewer interference factors among the metabolites, which could serve as ideal biomarkers. The predicted oral median lethal doses of OPEs and corresponding metabolites showed an increased toxicity of some hydroxylated OPEs and di-OPEs, needing further attention. These results provided new insights and evidence on the fates and biomarkers of OPEs exposure for mammals.

Energy Availability in Female Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athletes.

Willingham, BD, Daou, M, VanArsdale, J, Thomas, M, and Saracino, PG. Energy availability in female collegiate beach volleyball athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1941-1950, 2024-Low energy availability (LEA) is a present risk for many female athletes. Yet, the literature on LEA is often reliant on single, short-term, snapshots, which may not be reflective of the chronic energy balance surrounding female athletes in sport. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the current prevalence of LEA in female collegiate beach volleyball athletes during the preseason and across the competitive season. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare measures of EA (i.e., dietary intake, activity energy expenditure [EE], body composition) and EE (i.e., resting metabolic rate and thermic effect of feeding) at 4 timepoints-once in the preseason (i.e., Fall), and 3 times across the 10-week competitive season in Spring (i.e., week 1, week 5, and week 9). Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Although mean EA was in the subclinical zone (i.e., 30-45 kcal·kg FFM-1·d-1) at each timepoint, the prevalence of LEA for individuals was 30.8% in the preseason, 37.5% at week 1, 25.0% at week 5, and 62.5% at week 9. Further, carbohydrate intake was below the recommended range for power athletes at each timepoint, suggesting that female beach volleyball athletes with LEA may benefit from increasing carbohydrate intake. Despite no statistical differences in body mass across the season (p = 0.577), there was a trend for increasing fat-free mass (p = 0.062) as the season progressed. Importantly, LEA is not a team-wide condition but an individual one. Therefore, approaches to mitigate LEA should be individualized.

School food policy in secondary schools in England and its impact on adolescents' diets and dental health: the FUEL multiple-methods study.

School food standards are a legal requirement for state-funded schools in England and are designed to promote healthy eating in pupils. However, state-funded academies/free schools established between 2010 and 2014 are exempt from this legislation. To complement the school food standards, the government launched the School Food Plan in 2013, which outlines voluntary actions that schools can take to support healthy eating and increase school meal uptake. There has been little evaluation of the school food standards and School Food Plan in secondary schools. To compare implementation and costs of the school food standards and School Food Plan, and pupil dietary and dental outcomes in two groups of secondary schools: those mandated and those not mandated to comply with the school food standards legislation. An observational, multiple-methods study. We sampled state-funded secondary school academies/free schools, pupils aged 11-15 years, and school staff/governors with a role in food provision/education from the Midlands. We collected qualitative data in four schools. The primary outcome was pupil free sugar intake at lunch; across the school day; and during 24-hours. Secondary outcomes were additional nutritional outcomes and dental caries measures. We assessed school food standards/School Food Plan implementation and costs using researcher observation, document analysis, and surveys with staff/governors, schools and pupils. Dietary intake and dental outcomes were measured online using 24-hour dietary recall and surveys, respectively. In the qualitative study we conducted staff/governor interviews and pupil focus groups in a subsample of schools. We used multilevel analyses to explore variation in pupil outcomes across the school food standards-mandated and school food standards-non-mandated school groups. Data were analysed using the Framework approach. Thirty-six schools (13 school food standards-mandated, 23 school food standards-non-mandated), 2453 pupils and 151 staff/governors participated. On average, schools were compliant with 64% of school food standards and implemented 41% of School Food Plan actions, with no differences across school food standards-mandated/non-mandated schools. There was a wide variation in annual costs of the school food standards and School Food Plan reported by schools (mean of £195 per pupil). Pupils in school food standards-mandated schools had lower lunch intakes of free sugar than those in school food standards-non-mandated schools (adjusted mean difference = -2.78 g, 95% confidence interval -4.66 to -0.90 g). After further adjustment for total energy intake, there was no significant difference in free sugar intake, but the school food standards-mandated group had lower fruit and vegetable intake at all time points, and higher consumption of confectionery during the school day and sugar-sweetened beverages over 24 hours. There were no differences in dental outcomes between the two groups. Twenty-one staff/governors and 137 pupils participated in the qualitative study. Staff described balancing school food standards compliance with conflicting priorities related to financial viability. Some pupils felt that school food did not meet their needs for convenience, speed, value for money and taste, and disliked the lunchtime experience. Little time was afforded to healthy-eating education within the curriculum. There were large numbers of missing data for some study elements, including assessment of some School Food Plan actions and cost data. In the secondary school context, the current school food standards are difficult to comply with and the School Food Plan has not achieved the desired outcomes. We found no evidence to show that school food standards legislation has positively influenced nutritional intake. We need to develop healthy secondary-school food provision models that meet pupils' preferences, and better understand how to situate the food and healthy-eating agenda in secondary schools. This trial is registered as ISRCTN68757496. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme (NIHR award ref: 17/92/39) and is published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 12, No. 12. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Protocol for a pilot study: Feasibility of a web-based platform to improve nutrition, mindfulness, and physical function in people living with Post COVID-19 condition (BLEND)

Individuals with Post COVID-19 condition (PCC), or long COVID, experience symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders that persist after recovery from COVID-19. These ongoing symptoms significantly compromise quality of life and diminish functional capacity and independence. Multimodal digital interventions targeting behavioural factors such as nutrition and mindfulness have shown promise in improving health outcomes of people with chronic health conditions and may be beneficial for those with PCC. The BLEND study (weB-based pLatform to improve nutrition, mindfulnEss, and physical function, in patients with loNg COVID) study is an 8-week pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating the feasibility of a digital wellness platform compared to usual care among individuals with PCC. The web-based wellness platform employed in this study, My Viva Plan (MVP)®, integrates a holistic, multicomponent approach to promote wellness. The intervention group receives access to the digital health platform for 8 weeks with encouragement for frequent interactions to improve dietary intake and mindfulness. The control group receives general content focusing on improvements in dietary intake and mindfulness. Assessments are conducted at baseline and week 8. The primary outcome is the feasibility of platform use. Secondary and exploratory outcomes include a between-group comparison of changes in body composition, nutritional status, quality of life, mindfulness, physical activity, and physical performance after 8 weeks. Findings of this study will inform the development of effective web-based wellness programs tailored for individuals with PCC to promote sustainable behavioural changes and improved health outcomes.

Associations of food group intakes with serum carbon isotope ratio values in youth: results from two prospective pediatric cohort studies

BackgroundThe carbon isotope ratio (CIR) is a candidate biomarker for sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) intake in the U.S. However, research specific to youth, who differ in their physiology and dietary patterns compared to adults, is lacking. ObjectivesWe evaluated longitudinal associations of SSB intakes across childhood/adolescence with serum CIR. We also explored the relationship between other dietary intakes and serum CIR. MethodsData were from participants in two longitudinal, pediatric cohorts in Colorado: Exploring Perinatal Outcomes among CHildren Study (EPOCH) (visits at median 10 and 16 y, n=150) and Healthy Start Study (visits at median 5 and 9 y, n=166). Serum CIR was measured using isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaires (EPOCH) or 24-hour diet recalls (Healthy Start). We assessed associations of longitudinal dietary intakes (log2-transformed, standardized) with serum CIR using linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, and energy intake, and associations of change values between visits using linear regression models. ResultsIn linear mixed models, higher SSB intake across visits was associated with higher serum CIR in both cohorts (β [95% CI]: 0.11[0.06,0.15] in EPOCH and 0.14[0.07,0.21] in Healthy Start). Higher meat intake and a higher dietary animal protein ratio were also positively associated with serum CIR in both cohorts (β [95% CI]: 0.08[0.05,0.12] and 0.18[0.13,0.23] in EPOCH; 0.08[0.01,0.16] and 0.28[0.21,0.35] in Healthy Start). In change analyses, there were positive associations for changes in the dietary animal protein ratio between visits with changes in serum CIR in both cohorts, but not for changes in SSB intake. ConclusionsOur findings support serum CIR as a potential biomarker of SSB intake in youth cross-sectionally; however, there was not a strong link between change values over longer-term follow-up. Meat/animal protein intake was also consistently and, at times, more strongly associated with serum CIR.

Estimated health effect, cost, and cost-effectiveness of mandating sodium benchmarks in Australia's packaged foods: a modelling study

Excess dietary sodium is a leading cause of death and disability globally. Because packaged foods are a major source of sodium in many countries, including Australia, mandatory limits for sodium might improve population health. We aimed to estimate the long-term health and economic effect of mandating such thresholds in Australia. We used a multiple cohort, proportional, multistate, life table model to simulate the effect of mandating either the WHO global sodium benchmarks or the currently non-mandatory Australian Healthy Food Partnership (HFP) sodium targets. We compared maintaining the current sodium intake status quo with intervention scenarios, using nationally representative data on dietary intake, sodium in packaged foods, and food sales volume. Blood pressure and disease burden data were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study. The effect of sodium reduction on blood pressure and disease risk was modelled on the basis of meta-analyses of randomised trials and cohort studies. Intervention and health-care costs were used to calculate the incremental cost per health-adjusted life-year (HALY) gained. Costs and HALYs were discounted annually at 3%. Compared with the status quo intervention, mandating the WHO benchmarks could be cost saving over the first 10 years (AUD$223 [95% uncertainty interval 82-433] million saved), with 2743 (1677-3976) cardiovascular disease deaths and 43 971 (26 892-63 748) incident cardiovascular disease events averted, and 11 174 (6800-16 205) HALYs gained. Over the population's lifetime, the intervention was cost effective (100·0% probability). Mandating the HFP sodium targets was also estimated to be cost effective (100·0% probability), but with 29% of the health benefits compared with the WHO benchmarks. Our modelling study supports mandating sodium thresholds for packaged foods as a cost-effective strategy to prevent death and disease in Australia. Although making Australia's voluntary reformulation targets mandatory might save thousands of lives, mandating the WHO global benchmarks could yield substantially greater health gains. None.

Probiotics as an Adjunct Approach to the Prevention and Treatment of Colon Cancer: A Review

Abstract:: One out of every six people in the world is suffering from cancer disease. The major causes of cancer are high consumption of tobacco, high body mass index, and alcoholic beverages with low intake of a healthy diet and limited physical activity. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity worldwide. In the past few years, probiotics have drawn a lot of interest as potential preventive and therapeutic anticancer agents. This literature review addressed both human and animal research that has explored the association between probiotics and colon cancer. Probiotic administration has remarkable potential for the prevention and treatment of colon cancer through various mechanisms such as inhibiting the growth of cancer cells via apoptosis, improving immune activity, restoring gut microbiota, improving intestinal barrier properties, synthesizing anticarcinogenic compounds, and degrading carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, probiotics emerge as an adjunct therapy, holding the potential to significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Restricted Feeding Of Weight Control Diets Induces Weight Loss And Affects Body Composition, Voluntary Physical Activity, Blood Metabolites, Hormones, And Oxidative Stress Markers, And Fecal Metabolites And Microbiota Of Obese Cats.

Feline obesity puts many cats at risk for comorbidities such as hepatic lipidosis, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract diseases, and others. Restricted feeding of specially formulated diets may improve feline health and safely support weight loss while maintaining lean mass. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of restricted intake of weight control diets on weight loss, body composition, voluntary physical activity, serum metabolic and inflammatory markers, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of obese cats. Twenty-four obese adult domestic shorthair cats [body weight (BW) = 5.51 ± 0.92kg; body condition score (BCS) = 8.44 ± 0.53] were used. A leading grocery brand diet was fed during a 4-wk baseline to identify intake needed to maintain BW. After baseline (wk 0), cats were allotted to one of two weight control diets (DRY or CAN) and fed to lose 1.5% BW per wk for 18wk. At baseline and 6, 12, 18wk after weight loss, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed, blood and fecal samples were collected, and voluntary physical activity was measured. Change from baseline data were analyzed statistically using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P<0.05 being significant and P<0.10 being trends. BW was reduced by 1.54 ± 0.51% per wk. Restricted feeding of both diets led to BW (P<0.01) and fat mass loss (P<0.01), reduced BCS (P<0.01), reduced leptin (P<0.01) and insulin (P<0.01) concentrations, and increased superoxide dismutase (P<0.01) and active ghrelin (P<0.01) concentrations. Change from baseline fecal scores were reduced (P<0.01) with restricted feeding and weight loss, while total short-chain fatty acid, acetate, and propionate concentration reductions were greater (P<0.05) in cats fed CAN than those fed DRY. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity measures increased (P<0.01) with restricted feeding and weight loss. Fecal bacterial beta diversity was altered by time in all cats, with wk 0 being different (P<0.05) than wk 6, 12, and 18. Change from baseline relative abundances of 3 fecal bacterial phyla and over 30 fecal bacterial genera were impacted (P<0.05) or tended to be impacted (P<0.10) by dietary treatment. Our data demonstrate that restricted feeding of both weight control diets was an effective means for weight loss in obese adult domestic cats. Some changes were also impacted by diet, highlighting the importance of diet formulation and format, and nutrient composition in weight control diets.

Estimated health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of implementing WHO's sodium benchmarks for packaged foods in India: a modelling study.

Excess dietary sodium intake has been associated with death and disability. WHO has released global sodium benchmarks for packaged foods to support countries to reduce population sodium intake. This study aimed to assess the potential health effect, costs, and cost effectiveness of implementing these WHO sodium benchmarks in India. We used a multiple cohort, proportional multistate, life table (Markov) model to estimate the health gains and cost effectiveness for adults if sodium content in packaged foods complied with the WHO benchmarks compared to the status quo. We used India-specific dietary surveys, food composition tables, foods sales data, and sodium content data from packaged food labels to estimate sodium intake before and after the intervention. Data on blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease burden were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors study, and the effect of sodium reduction on blood pressure and disease risk was modelled on the basis of meta-analyses of randomised trials and cohort studies. Intervention and health-care costs were used to estimate net costs, and calculate the incremental cost per health-adjusted life-year (HALY) gained. Costs and HALYs were discounted at 3%. In the first 10 years, compliance with the WHO sodium benchmarks was estimated to avert a mean of 0·3 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 0·2-0·5) million deaths from cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease, a mean of 1·7 (95% UI 1·0-2·4) million incident cardiovascular disease events, and 0·7 (0·4-1·0) million new chronic kidney disease cases, compared with current practice. Over 10 years, the intervention was projected to be cost saving (100·0% probability), generating 1·0 (0·6 to 1·4) billion HALYs and US$0·8 (95% UI 0·3 to 1·4) million in cost savings. Over the population lifetime, the intervention could prevent 4·2 (2·4-6·0) million deaths from cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease, 14·0 (8·2-20·1) million incident cardiovascular disease events, and 4·8 (2·8-6·8) new chronic kidney disease cases, with an 84·2% probability of being cost-saving and 100·0% probability of being cost-effective. Our modelling data suggest a high potential for compliance with WHO sodium benchmarks for packaged food being associated with substantial health gains and cost savings, making a strong case for India to mandate the implementation of the WHO sodium benchmarks, particularly as packaged food consumption continues to rise. WHO Country Office India.

Early Pathological Mechanisms in a Mouse Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) constitutes more than half of all HF cases, yet evidence-based therapies remain lacking due to limited understanding of its underlying pathological mechanisms. Our study aimed to uncover early pathological mechanisms in HFpEF by exposing mice to dietary conditions resembling a Western diet-rich in fats, salt, and low in fiber-alongside excess mineralocorticoids to replicate significant aspects of human HFpEF. Echocardiography was performed at both 3-week and 6-week intervals post-challenge, revealing cardiac alterations as early as 3-weeks. While ejection fraction remained preserved, mice exhibited signs of diastolic dysfunction, reduced stroke volume, and left atrial enlargement. Additionally, changes in pulmonary flow velocities were noted by the 3-week mark, suggesting elevated pulmonary pressure. Extracardiac comorbidities included organ congestion, increased adiposity, impaired glucose tolerance, and hypercholesterolemia. Molecular analyses unveiled evidence of low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired NO-cGMP-PKG signaling, contributing to the observed decrease in titin phosphorylation, thereby impacting myocardial stiffness. Additionally, impaired NO signaling might have influenced the alterations observed in coronary flow reserve. Moreover, dysregulation of calcium signaling in cardiomyocytes and reduced SR load were observed. Interestingly, elevated phosphorylation of cMyBP-C was linked to preserved ejection fraction despite reduced SR load. We also observed intestinal atrophy, possibly due to low dietary fiber intake and diminished gut perfusion, potentially contributing to systemic low-grade inflammation. These findings reveal how excess mineralocorticoids-salt-induced hypertension, and dietary factors, like high-fat and low-fiber intake, contribute to cardiac dysfunction and metabolic disturbances, offering insights into early HFpEF pathology in this model.

The role for ω-3 polyunsaturated and short chain fatty acids in hypertension: an updated view on the interaction with gut microbiota

As of 2024, arterial hypertension is still considered the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and, due to high rates of undertreatment and poor blood pressure control, the major contributor to human morbidity and mortality. Development of new treatment options and better interventions in lifestyle correction have become a priority of experimental and clinical research. In the last decades, dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) and generation of gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have surged as potential and promising interventions for hypertension and cardiovascular prevention. ω-3 PUFAs are considered “essential” fatty acids that can be obtained only from dietary sources. Although previous intervention trials were not consistent in reporting a significant benefit of ω-3 PUFAs, the recent REDUCE-IT trial has provided robust evidence in support of their role in cardiovascular prevention. Recent studies have also identified the intestinal microbiota as a potential player in the pathophysiology and progression of hypertension. Although this might occur through many pathways, generation of SCFAs that is highly dependent on dietary fiber intake is primarily involved, providing an additional target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. For these reasons, some scientific societies currently recommend dietary supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs and fiber-containing foods in patients with hypertension. In this narrative review, we summarize the results of studies that examined the effects of ω-3 PUFAs and SCFAs on blood pressure, highlighting the mechanisms of action on the vascular system and their possible impact on hypertension, hypertension-related organ damage and, ultimately, cardiovascular outcomes.

Impact of added enzyme-treated bran on the techno-functional properties of puffed-extruded sorghum snack

Dietary fibre intake is crucial for improving human health and reducing the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases. This study determines the effect of the enzyme (Viscozyme®L: a cocktail of cell wall degrading enzymes including arabanase, cellulase, β-glucanase, hemicellulase and xylanase) hydrolyzed fibre on the techno-functional properties of puffed-extruded sorghum snacks made from sorghum flour. Sorghum flour and sorghum flour mixed with untreated bran, water-incubated bran, and enzyme-treated bran were extruded using a twin-screw extruder. The puffed-extruded snacks from sorghum flour with 2-hour enzyme-treated bran showed similar expansion ratios to snacks from sorghum flour without bran. The expansion ratios of the without-bran snacks (2.80) and enzyme-treated bran-added snacks (2.77) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those made with untreated sorghum bran (1.87). A higher expansion ratio usually results in a lighter, crispier texture and a more attractive appearance of puffed-extruded snacks, which consumers often prefer. The enzyme treatment also increased the water solubility index and decreased the water absorption index compared to snacks with untreated bran. This study explores the potential of using an enzyme-treated sorghum bran to manufacture puffed-extruded snacks comparable to those made with sorghum flour.

Association between Dietary Vitamin E Intake and the Risk of Hypertension in US Adults.

Many studies have shown that Vitamin E (VitE) intake has beneficial effects on human health, but the relationship between VitE intake and Blood Pressure (BP) is not well understood. Thus, our present study aimed to assess the relationship between VitE intake and hypertension, systolic and diastolic BP in US (United States) adults. We used data from the 2003-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted multivariate regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and Restricted Cubic Splines (RCS) were used to explore the independent associations between VitE intake and hypertension, systolic and diastolic BP. A total of 32,371 participants were included in this study. The mean VitE intake of participants was 8.50 ± 0.08 mg/d. The prevalence of hypertension in subjects was 37.76% and it decreased with increasing VitE intake quartiles (quartile 1: 40.97%, quartile 2: 37.60%, quartile 3: 37.47%, quartile 4: 35.66%). A significant negative correlation was found between VitE intake and hypertension. We also observed a significant negative association between VitE intake and systolic BP (model 1: β = -0.11, 95% CI: -0.15 ~ -0.07; model 2: β = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.12 ~ -0.05; and model 3: β = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.10 ~ -0.01). Quartile 2 of dietary VitE intake significantly correlated to a lower diastolic BP compared to the lowest quartile of VitE intake (model 3: β = -0.72, 95%CI: -1.26~-0.18). In US adults, VitE intake has not been significantly found to be associated with hypertension, but it has been found to exhibit a negative association with both systolic and diastolic BP in US adults.

Randomized trial of dietary acid reduction and acid-base status of patients with CKD and normal eGFR

IntroductionModern acid-producing diets in patients with stage G3-G5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause severe acid accumulation with metabolic acidosis and less severe accumulation causing eubicarbonatemic acidosis in stages G2-G3, each with kidney injury. The impact of these diets on acid accumulation in those with CKD but normal eGFR (G1) is unclear. MethodsWe assessed whether acid accumulation occurs in patients with CKD and normal eGFR, and if added base-producing fruits and vegetables (F&V) or oral NaHCO3 (HCO3-) reduces acid accumulation and/or lowers kidney injury. We randomized 153 macroalbuminuric, non-diabetic, G1 (mean eGFR = 101 ml/min/1.73 m2) participants with hypertension-associated CKD to receive F&Vs in amounts to reduce dietary acid intake 50% (F&V, n=51), oral NaHCO3 to match alkali intake of F&V (HCO3-, n=51), or usual care (UC, n=51) for five years. We assessed acid accumulation by comparing observed to expected increase in plasma total CO2 in response to retained bicarbonate (dose minus urine bicarbonate excretion) two hours after an oral NaHCO3 bolus. ResultsBaseline acid accumulation, eGFR, urine excretion of albumin, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosamine, and angiotensinogen were not different among groups. Five-year acid accumulation [mean(SD)] was lower in F&V [-1.2 (11.0) mmoles] and HCO3- [-1.7 (10.8) mmoles] than UC [5.2 (10.3) mmoles, p<0.003)], consistent with lower acid accumulation in F&V and HCO3-. Five-year urine excretion of albumin, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosamine, and angiotensinogen were lower in F&V and HCO3- than UC, consistent with less kidney injury. ConclusionsDietary acid reduction reduces acid accumulation and kidney injury in patients with CKD and normal eGFR.

Modifiable lifestyle factors in the primordial prevention of hypertension in three US cohorts

Background: Evidence is lacking on the relative contributions of specific lifestyle factors and their overall contribution to prevention of hypertension, in particular early-onset hypertension. Methods: This prospective cohort study included participants of the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS, N=52,780 women, aged 40–67 in 1986), the NHS II (N=83,871 women, aged 27–46 in 1991), and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS, N =31,269 men, aged 40–75 in 1986), who were free from hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cancer at baseline. Four modifiable lifestyles were evaluated based on hypertension guidelines: BMI, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and alcohol intake. Primary outcome was incident self-reported diagnosis of hypertension with 27-31 years of follow-up. Results: Each lifestyle factor was associated with incident hypertension in dose-dependent manners across the cohorts, with BMI having the strongest associations. On average, adhering to BMI <25 kg/m2 was associated with 20.3 [18.5, 22.0], 25.0 [23.2, 26.8], and 18.6 [16.7, 20.7] months longer periods free from hypertension during 25-year follow-up in each cohort respectively. BMI accounted for approximately 20% of incident hypertension in NHS and HPFS, and 35% of early-onset hypertension (age < 55y). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and diet accounted for 10-15% of incident hypertension in women, and the contributions were greater for early-onset hypertension. Conclusion: Healthy weight during adulthood was most substantially associated with incident hypertension among lifestyle factors, but diet, physical activity, and alcohol intake were also related to the risk across all ages, and hypertension-free periods, with stronger associations in early-onset hypertension.

Non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) dietary exposure is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort

Aims/hypothesisThe aim of the present study was to investigate the association between dietary exposures to dioxins, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. MethodsThis prospective cohort study with a median 11.7 years of follow-up, included 318,416 individuals recruited in 21 centers in eight countries. Dietary intake of dioxins and PCBs was calculated by combining EPIC food consumption data with food contamination data from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). To identify incident cases of T2DM, a thorough review of various sources including self-reported information, linkage to primary and secondary care registers, drug registers, hospital admissions, and mortality data was conducted. Associations between dietary intake of dioxins and PCBs and T2DM were evaluated using multivariable Cox regressions. ResultsHigher T2DM risk was observed for higher estimated dietary intake of non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs; HR per 1 SD increment = 1.03 [95%CI 1.01;1.04], and HR (Q4 vs Q1) = 1.15 [1.08;1.22], P-trend < 0.001). The results were consistent in analyses stratified by gender, body mass index, country, median follow-up, or self-reported hypertension and hyperlipidemia, as well as when adjusting for fat intake. No consistent association was observed between dioxins+DL-PCBs intake and T2DM risk. Conclusion / interpretationResults obtained in this large European prospective study indicate a positive and linear association between dietary intake of NDL-PCBs and risk of T2DM. This association remained consistent across various stratified and sensitivity analyses. Further studies are warranted to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying this association.

Determination of residual behavior of two fungicides in/on tomato and cucumber and their dietary intake risk assessment under open field conditions

A commercial formulation of fluoxapiprolin (30g/L) and fluopicolide (200g/L) as a suspension concentrate (SC) is under registration for its use on tomato and cucumber in India. Both of these active ingredients are fungicides used to control a variety of fungal diseases in crops. The field trials were laid out in an open field at the experimental farm of the university following good agricultural practice (GAP) during the summer of 2021. The study aimed to estimate pesticide residues using a modified QuEChERS method in combination with advanced analytical techniques like liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The method showed excellent linearity (R² > 0.99) for fluoxapiprolin, fluopicolide and their metabolites in tomato, cucumber, and soil. The half-life value for fluoxapiprolin ranged between 5.86-7.05 days and for fluopicolide the half-life was between 1.62-1.98 days for tomato and cucumber, respectively. The recoveries ranged between 80-120% with a relative standard deviation <20% for all the analytes. The dietary risk assessment was determined by using the hazard quotient and the HQs values were <1, proving its safety to the consumer.

Kaempferol alleviates myocardial ischemia injury by reducing oxidative stress via the HDAC3-mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway

IntroductionKaempferol (KAE) is a flavonoid found in various plants. Recent studies showed that high dietary intake of KAE was associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarction; however, the cardioprotective mechanism of KAE remains unknown. ObjectivesTo determine the effect of KAE on cardiac injury in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced rats and cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-treated cardiomyocytes, and the underlying mechanisms. MethodsMale rats were pretreated with different doses of KAE for 14 days, and then injected with ISO to induce myocardial ischemia injury. We also established a model of myocardial cell injury using rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes stimulated with CoCl2. ResultsWe found that KAE pretreatment significantly alleviated myocardial injury and improved cardiac function in ISO-injected rats. In addition, KAE reduced oxidative stress in rats with myocardial ischemia by decreasing malondialdehyde concentration and increasing superoxide dismutase activity, and protection of the myocardial mitochondrial structure. KAE also attenuated CoCl2-induced injuryof H9c2 cardiomyocytes via suppression ofoxidative stress. With regard to the mechanism, we found that KAE down-regulated HDAC3 expression and up-regulated Nrf2 expression in ISO-induced rats and CoCl2-stimulated cardiomyocytes. Incubation of cardiomyocytes with HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 augmented the protective effect of KAE and reduced oxidative stress. By contrast, HDAC3 overexpression by adenovirus attenuated the effect of KAE on oxidative stress compared with KAE treatment group. HDAC3 also regulated Nrf2 expression in the cardiomyocytes with RGFP966 or an adenovirus overexpressing HDAC3; but Nrf2 inhibition reduced the effect of KAE on ROS generation in CoCl2-induced cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that HDAC3 interacted with Nrf2 in cardiomyocytes. Further studies found that KAE increased the acetylation level of Nrf2, while HDAC3 overexpression decreased the acetylation of Nrf2 compared with KAE treatment group. ConclusionOur data show that KAE ameliorates cardiac injury by reducing oxidative stress via the HDAC3-mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes.

Aflatoxin M1 level and risk assessment in milk, yogurt, and cheese in Tabriz, Iran

Aim and BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate the presence of aflatoxin M1(AFM1) in milk, yogurt, and cheese samples collected from Tabriz, Iran. Additionally, the study conducted a risk assessment related to the consumption of milk and dairy products within Tabriz city. Study MethodFor this study, 56 samples (raw milk, pasteurized milk, ultra-high temperature milk (UHT), traditional yogurt, pasteurized yogurt, traditional cheese, and pasteurized cheese) were collected randomly in Tabriz from December 2021 to March 2022. The analysis was carried out using liquid chromatography, which was equipped with a fluorescence detector. The estimated dietary intake (EDI) and the hazard index (HI) were calculated for the risk assessment. Results and DiscussionAFM1 was detected in all samples. The highest concentration of AFM1 was observed in traditional cheese (P<0.05). The lowest concentration was observed in UHT milk and there were no significant differences between raw milk and pasteurized yogurt(P<0.05). Moreover, in all samples, the levels of AFM1 were below the maximum limit permitted by Iranian national standards. AFM1 levels in traditional yogurt exceeded the European Union's permissible limit in 25% of the samples. The HI in all samples was less than one for both adult and child consumers, except for milk samples for children, which were more than one and indicated a medium risk. In conclusion, the levels of contamination in milk and dairy products and risk assessment appear not to pose a public health risk to Tabriz consumers.

Micronutrient inadequacy differs by intake of fat amount and class among adults that consume a restricted carbohydrate diet: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2018

BackgroundRestricted carbohydrate diets remain among the most popular for weight loss and general health improvement. Recent evidence demonstrates that carbohydrate restricted diets are low in overall diet quality, yet their association with micronutrient inadequacy has not been well characterized at a population-level in adults in the United States. Objective1) To evaluate the prevalence of not meeting daily micronutrient recommendations in US adults that met the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs) and those who restricted carbohydrate to <45% energy, and 2) examine the effect of total fat and fat class on these results for the restricted carbohydrate group. DesignThis study utilized 24-hour recall data on food and nutrient intake from respondents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. Participants/settingThis study included 15,029 respondents who were ≥20 y, had complete and reliable nutrient intake data, and were not pregnant or breastfeeding. Main outcome measuresThe main outcome was the prevalence of not meeting daily micronutrient recommendations based on Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Statistical analyses performedThe National Cancer Institute’s usual intake methodology was used to estimate usual dietary intake and the prevalence of the US adult population not meeting the DRIs. ResultsCompared to participants that met the AMDRs, those that consumed restricted carbohydrate diets had greater prevalence of inadequacy (% <Estimated Average Requirement) for vitamin A (46.7% vs 33.6%), folate (12.9% vs 4.3%), vitamin C (42.5% vs 23.3%), vitamin D (64.6% vs 61.3%), magnesium (45.2% vs 41.3%), and iron (3.0% vs 1.3%), and lower prevalence of inadequacy for zinc (8.1% vs 12.2%) and vitamins B-12 (1.7% vs 2.8%; P<0.05 for all comparisons). Restricted carbohydrate diet consumers had a lower likelihood of exceeding the Adequate Intake (AI) for vitamin K (57.8% vs 67.6%) and potassium (32.1% vs 39.2%; P<0.001 for both), higher likelihood of exceeding the AI for choline (16.9% vs 5.6%, P<0.001), and a greater proportion exceeded the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Intake (CDRR) for sodium (92.1 vs 88.5%, P<0.001). Fat amount and class in those consuming restricted carbohydrate diets modified many of these associations, but the effects were heterogenous across micronutrients. ConclusionThis study shows that there are different types of restricted carbohydrate diets that can be characterized by fat amount and class, each with their own association with micronutrient intake. This information can be used by clinicians to provide more targeted dietary counseling to their patients who restrict carbohydrates, depending on the amount and type of fat they consume.