Dietary Micronutrients Research Articles

Dietary intakes of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 during pregnancy and correlation with maternal hemoglobin and fetal growth: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study

PurposeDietary micronutrient intakes of iron, folate and vitamin B12 are known to influence hemoglobin. Low maternal hemoglobin (maternal anemia) has been linked to low birthweight and other adverse health outcomes in the fetus and infant. Our primary aim was to explore relationships between maternal dietary micronutrient intakes, maternal full blood count (FBC) parameters and fetal abdominal circumference (AC) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) growth trajectories. Secondarily, we aimed to assess relationships between maternal dietary micronutrient intakes, maternal hemoglobin values and placental weight and birthweight.MethodsMother–child pairs (n = 759) recruited for the ROLO study were included in this analysis. Maternal dietary micronutrient intakes were calculated from food diaries completed during each trimester of pregnancy. FBC samples were collected at 13- and 28-weeks’ gestation. Fetal ultrasound measurements were recorded at 20- and 34-weeks’ gestation. Growth trajectories for AC and EFW were estimated using latent class trajectory mixture models.ResultsDietary intakes of iron and folate were deficient for all trimesters. Mean maternal hemoglobin levels were replete at 13- and 28-weeks’ gestation. Dietary iron, folate and vitamin B12 intakes showed no associations with fetal growth trajectories, placental weight or birthweight. Lower maternal hemoglobin concentrations at 28 weeks’ gestation were associated with faster rates of fetal growth and larger placental weights and birthweights.ConclusionThe negative association between maternal hemoglobin at 28 weeks’ gestation and accelerated fetal and placental growth may be due to greater consumption of maternal iron and hemoglobin by fetuses’ on faster growth trajectories in addition to placental biochemical responses to lower oxygen states.

Contribution of natural food environments to nutritional intake and biomarker status: insights from the women of indigenous santhal communities of Jharkhand, India

BackgroundMany indigenous communities reside in biodiverse environments replete with natural food sources but show ​poor access and utilization.MethodsTo understand the links between indigenous food access, dietary intakes, and biomarkers, we conducted a cross-sectional study among women of the Santhal Community (n = 211) from 17 villages in the Godda district of Jharkhand, India. Survey methods included household surveys, dietary intake assessment (24 HDR) and micronutrient and inflammatory biomarkers' estimation.ResultsThe diversity in access to foods from different natural sources expressed as Food access diversity index was low. This led to poor consumption and thus a low Minimum Dietary Diversity. The mean nutrient intake was less than the estimated average requirement for all nutrients. Women with higher dietary diversity scores had higher nutrient intakes. Thiamine and calcium intakes were significantly higher in women consuming indigenous foods than non-consumers. One-fourth of the women had elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers. The prevalence of iron deficiency was approximately 70%. Vitamin A insufficiency (measured as retinol-binding protein) was observed in around 33.6% women, while 28.4% were deficient. Household access to natural food sources was associated with specific biomarkers. The access to kitchen garden (baari) was positively associated with retinol-binding protein levels and negatively with inflammatory biomarkers, while access to ponds was positively associated with ferritin levels.ConclusionThe findings highlight the role of access to diverse natural foods resources, including indigenous foods, for improving nutrition security in indigenous communities. Nutrition and health programs promoting indigenous food sources should include the assessment of biomarkers for effective monitoring and surveillance.

In Vitro Fermentation

The rumen of ruminants, as well as the colon of monogastric animals, are inhabited by over one trillion bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, and these are emerging as critical regulators in dietary micronutrients and animal health [...]

Ergothioneine: an underrecognised dietary micronutrient required for healthy ageing?

Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid and thiol antioxidant found in high amounts in mushrooms and fermented foods. Humans and animals acquire ergothioneine from the diet through the pH-dependent activity of a membrane transporter, the large solute carrier 22A member 4 (SLC22A4), expressed on the apical membrane of the small intestine. The SLC22A4 transporter also functions in the renal reabsorption of ergothioneine in the kidney, with avid absorption and retention of ergothioneine from the diet observed in both animals and humans. Ergothioneine is capable of scavenging a diverse range of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, has metal chelation properties, and is predicted to directly regulate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity. Although not lethal, the genetic knockout of the SLC22A4 gene in multiple organisms increases susceptibility to oxidative stress, damage and inflammation; in agreement with a large body of preclinical data suggesting the physiological function of ergothioneine is as a cellular antioxidant and cytoprotectant agent. In humans, blood levels of ergothioneine decline after the age of 60 years, and lower levels of ergothioneine are associated with more rapid cognitive decline. Conversely, high plasma ergothioneine levels have been associated with significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality and overall mortality risks. In this horizon’s manuscript, we review evidence suggesting critical roles for dietary ergothioneine in healthy ageing and the prevention of cardiometabolic disease. We comment on some of the outstanding research questions in the field and consider the question of whether or not ergothioneine should be considered a conditionally essential micronutrient.

Double burden of malnutrition among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in 15 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) of China in 1991-2015

To analyze the status and the trends of the double burden of malnutrition among children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities) of China in 1991, 2000, 2009 and 2015. The data of China Health and Nutrition Surveys in 1991, 2000, 2009 and 2015 were used, children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were selected as the research objects. After excluding those with missing demographic, dietary data and physical measurement data, 2464, 2094, 929 and 1555 children and adolescents were included in the study in each year. The subjects were divided into lean, normal, overweight and obese groups. The dietary information was collected by 3-day 24-hour dietary recall, and edible oil and condiment intakes were collected by weighing method. The dietary micronutrient intake of children and adolescents was calculated according to the food composition table. The estimated average requirement(EAR) was used as the cut-offs of dietary micronutrient intake insufficiency to analyze the situation of micronutrient intake deficiency and double burden of malnutrition. The prevalence of underweight of children and adolescents aged 6-17 years in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities) during 1991-2015 showed a downward trend, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity showed an upward trend(all P<0.05). The prevalence of double burden of malnutrition increased from 6.5% in 1991 to 24.6% in 2015. In 1991, 2000, 2009 and 2015, 94.2%, 92.8%, 97.2% and 93.4% of children and adolescents had insufficient dietary micronutrient intake. In 1991 and 2000, 81.6% and 73.7% of children and adolescents had insufficient intake of 3-7 dietary micronutrients at the same time; In 2009 and 2015, 81.8% and 80.7% of children and adolescents had insufficient intake of 3-9 dietary micronutrients at the same time. The prevalence of overweight and obesity of children and adolescents in 15 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities) of China was on the rise, the prevalence of insufficient intake of dietary micronutrients is higher, and the double burden of malnutrition was serious.

Influence Of Varietal Duration And Nitrogen Fertilization In Augmenting Micronutrient Uptake And Yield Of Rice

Lack of micronutrients in diet lead to health anomalies in human, to solve which diet-based availability can be looked upon. The goal of the current research is to ascertain how micronutrient uptake and yield of boro rice are influenced by the duration of the variety and graded doses of nitrogen fertilization. The field trial was conducted in the boro season of 2022 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Gayeshpur, Nadia in a thrice replicated split plots with nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) in main plot and varieties (short duration-Satabdi, medium duration-Pratikshya and long duration-Swarna masuri) in sub-plots. At both maximum tillering and harvest stage, increase in nitrogen fertilization levels significantly increased the uptake of Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn and biomass yield significantly. However, while Fe and Mn concentrations were highest for N application at 150 kg ha-1, N application at 100 and 150 kg ha-1 statistically registered at par Zn and Cu values. Varietal influence on grain and straw yield as well as micronutrient uptake in harvest may be linked to their life cycle pattern where Partikshya considerably outperformed short duration Satabdi variety. Worst performance of Swarna Masuri variety may possibly be attributed to the inherent varietal characteristics and exposure to terminal moisture and heat stress at the months of May and June. Judicious management of nitrogen fertilizer may be a viable non- traditional approach for micronutrient nutrition in rice.

Assessing and contrasting the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to dietary supplements and micronutrients in medical students and interns of a tertiary care hospital

Background: In recent times, dietary supplements have started playing a very critical role in overcoming the micronutrient deficiencies in a person. The health and well-being of medical practitioners itself are also important for them to efficiently carry out their practice. Moreover, their knowledge, attitude and practices influence their prescribing and treating tendencies. This study will demonstrate how the science of dietary supplements has advanced in relation to a number of nutrients, such as Vitamin A, iron, calcium, and folic acid. The health-care practitioners knowledge, attitude, and practices influence their prescribing and treating tendencies. Aims and Objectives: This study is done to assess and contrast the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Related to Dietary Supplements and Micronutrients in Medical Students and Interns of a Tertiary Care Hospital. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted at a ESIC Medical College, KK Nagar, Chennai, which included 2nd year students and interns. A questionnaire containing questions that test theoretical knowledge of micronutrients, and assesses personal supplementation habits was prepared. All students within the sample were mailed the questionnaire and consent was sought electronically. Those not willing to give consent were excluded from the study. The responses of the questionnaire were linked to an Excel sheet and analyzed using Microsoft Access. During this process, utmost confidentiality of the information was maintained. Results: A total of 140 participants responded, with 82 of them undergoing phase 2 medical training and 58 of them undergoing internship. On the dietary front, 12.2% of 2nd year students as compared to 15.5% of CRMI students were vegetarian. About 34.1% of 2nd year students and 41.4% of CRMIs consumed nutrient supplements. About 14.7% of 2nd years and 10.3% of CRMIs consumed supplements daily. About 67.8% of 2nd year students and 54.1% of interns consumed dietary supplements after medical advice. Concerningly, 15.5% of all medical interns and 9.8% of all 2nd-year students self-prescribed health supplements. Most interns (54.1%) who consumed supplements did so to maintain adequate nutrition. Concerningly 42.8% of 2nd year students and 33.3% of interns consumed supplements to maintain good health. Vitamins either singly, or as multivitamin tablets were the most consumed supplements amongst both sections of the study group. Concerningly 48.8% of 2nd year students and 58.6% of interns felt that supplements are generally harmless; and around a third of both groups felt that health personnel should promote supplement use. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding micronutrient usage among medical students is good; however, there is scope for improvement, particularly in the area of micronutrient-related prevalent diseases. Both 2nd year students and CRMIs consumed nutrient supplements in lesser quantity and frequency than other health science student groups; and more than half of them did so after medical advice. Good health and nutrition were the main reasons for supplement consumption. Students and interns were quite favorable toward patient consumption of nutrient supplements. The teaching-learning process needs to address this.

Dietary micronutrient intake of children aged 2-5 years in China in 2019-2021

To describe dietary intake of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B_1, vitamin B_2 and vitamin C and compare the intake between urban and rural areas among preschool children aged 2-5 years based on the data from the National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey for Children 0-17 Years of Age in China. Children from 14 provinces were selected by multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling, and the dietary data of preschool children aged 2-5 years were recorded using the 3 day 24-hour weighted food records method. SAS 9.4 was used to calculate dietary intake of these micronutrients based on the Chinese Food Composition Table and to compare the intake between urban and rural areas. The risk of insufficient or excessive intake of micronutrients among Chinese children aged 2-5 years was assessed according to the Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes(DRIs) 2013 edition. A total of 820 children aged 2 to 5 years were selected. The median daily dietary calcium intake of children aged 2-5 years in China was 433.7, 338.9, 356.4 and 347.4 mg, respectively. The median daily dietary intake of vitamin B_1 of children aged 2-5 years was 0.5 mg for all age groups. The median daily dietary vitamin B_2 intake of children aged 2-5 years was 0.7, 0.6, 0.6 and 0.6 mg, respectively. The median daily dietary intake of vitamin C of children aged 2-5 years was 37.9, 37.4, 44.0 and 40.0 mg, respectively. The median daily dietary selenium intake of children aged 2-5 years was 17.1, 20.5, 22.7 and 22.3 μg, respectively. Dietary calcium intake for aged 2-5 years, dietary vitamin B_2 intake for aged 2-4 years, dietary iron, selenium, zinc and vitamin B_1 intake for aged 2-3 years was significantly greater in urban children than rural children. Among all nutrients, the proportion of dietary calcium intakes below the estimated average requirement(EAR) was the highest in aged 2-5 years(61.4%, 76.4%, 91.4% and 91.5%, respectively). The proportions of dietary vitamin B_1, vitamin C and selenium intake lower than EAR of children aged 2-5 years in China were 52.4%-63.2%, 42.8%-50.2% and 46.6%-58.7%, respectively. The dietary calcium intake of children aged 2-5 years in China remains insufficient for these children, especially for rural children. Dietary vitamin B_1, vitamin C and selenium intake should be improved.

Protective effect of dietary micronutrients on gastric cancer risk among Jordanians.

Objective: several dietary and non-dietary factors and genetic predisposition may play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis. The findings about associations between micronutrients and gastric cancer (GC) is still inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary micronutrients on gastric cancer risk. Methods: a case-control study comprised of 173 GC (107 males: 66 females) patients and 313 (190 males: 123 females) population-based controls matched for age, occupation, and marital status. Demographics, medical history, physical activity, and nutrient intake information were collected using reliable interview-based questionnaires. Information on dietary micronutrient intake was collected from the participants using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) and evaluate associations between dietary micronutrients and GC risk. Results: GC was inversely associated with the consumption of vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamins D, E, K, B2, B3, B6, B12, and C, folate, chromium, iodine, and selenium. Additionally, a protective effect was observed for consumption of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphate, sodium, and zinc. In almost all the micronutrients, the second tertile showed a more pronounced reduction in GC risk as compared to the first tertile. Conclusions: our data support favorable effects of dietary consumption of some vitamins and minerals against GC risk.

Farm production diversity, household dietary diversity, and nutrition: Evidence from Uganda's national panel survey.

Improved food security and nutrition remain a notable global challenge. Yet, food security and nutrition are areas of strategic importance regarding the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The increasingly weakening global food production systems pose a threat to sustainable improved food security and nutrition. Consequently, a significant population remains chronically hungry and severely malnourished. As a remedy, farm production diversity (FPD) remains a viable pathway through which household nutrition can be improved. However, evidence is mixed, or unavailable on how FPD is associated with key nutrition indicators like household dietary diversity, energy, iron, zinc, and vitamin A (micronutrients). We use the Uganda National Panel Survey (UNPS) data for rural households to analyze differential associations of sub-components of FPD on dietary diversity, energy, and micronutrient intake. Panel data models reveal that indeed crop species count, and animal species count (sub-components of FPD) are differently associated with household dietary diversity score (HDDS), energy, and vitamin A sourced from markets. Moreover, when volumes of these nutrition outcomes were disaggregated by source (own farm vs. markets), the animal species count was only positively significantly associated with nutrition outcomes sourced from consumption of produce from own farm. Associations were insignificant for nutrition indicators sourced from markets except vitamin A. The crop species count, however, consistently showed a strong positive and significant association with energy, and all studied micronutrients sourced from own farm produce consumption, as well as those sourced from markets except Vitamin A, which was negative but insignificant. Therefore, inclusive, pro-poor, and pro-nutrition rural policy initiatives in the context of rural Uganda and similar ones, could more widely improve household nutrition through prioritizing crop species diversification on own farms because crops fetch wider nutrition gains.

Молекулярно-генетические аспекты риска здоровью во взаимосвязи с неблагоприятными условиями окружающей среды и питанием (систематический обзор)

At present, it is vital to examine adverse effects produced on gene expression by negative environmental factors and nutrients. In this study, our aim was to generalize data available in literature on an association between health risks and polymorphisms of genes that participated in xenobiotic detoxification and allergic status, food intolerance included, in adults and children. We also considered influence exerted by various components in diets on gene expression. Available research data indicate that GSTP1 and SOD gene polymorphisms have their effects on a decline in detoxification and antioxidant functions and early development of allergic, occupational and oncological diseases under exposure to harmful chemicals. Micronutrients in diets that can protect from adverse effects produced by chemicals can act not only as substrates but also as detoxification enzyme inducers. Great quantities of biologically active compounds in the Mediterranean diet are assumed to be able to modulate functional activity of certain genes. Such nutrients as polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, glucosinolates, anthocyanins, stilbenes, carotinoids, polyamines, spermidine and spermine produce anti-genotoxic and anti-carcinogenic effects. Use of combined nutrigenetic and phenotypic data seems a promising trend in effective modeling of a healthy diet. The research data outlined in this review indicate there is solid evidence that health risks can depend on a genotype, phenotype and quality of the environment. These risks also differ depending on a diet. Modeling a healthy diet based on available knowledge on nutritional genetic and nutritional genomics is a promising trend within non-carcinogenic health risk management, including risks of oncological diseases caused by exposure to adverse environmental factors.

Molecular and genetic aspects of health risks and their association with adverse environmental conditions and diets (systemic review)

At present, it is vital to examine adverse effects produced on gene expression by negative environmental factors and nutrients. In this study, our aim was to generalize data available in literature on an association between health risks and polymorphisms of genes that participated in xenobiotic detoxification and allergic status, food intolerance included, in adults and children. We also considered influence exerted by various components in diets on gene expression. Available research data indicate that GSTP1 and SOD gene polymorphisms have their effects on a decline in detoxification and antioxidant functions and early development of allergic, occupational and oncological diseases under exposure to harmful chemicals. Micronutrients in diets that can protect from adverse effects produced by chemicals can act not only as substrates but also as detoxification enzyme inducers. Great quantities of biologically active compounds in the Mediterranean diet are assumed to be able to modulate functional activity of certain genes. Such nutrients as polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, glucosinolates, anthocyanins, stilbenes, carotinoids, polyamines, spermidine and spermine produce anti-genotoxic and anti-carcinogenic effects. Use of combined nutrigenetic and phenotypic data seems a promising trend in effective modeling of a healthy diet. The research data outlined in this review indicate there is solid evidence that health risks can depend on a genotype, phenotype and quality of the environment. These risks also differ depending on a diet. Modeling a healthy diet based on available knowledge on nutritional genetic and nutritional genomics is a promising trend within non-carcinogenic health risk management, including risks of oncological diseases caused by exposure to adverse environmental factors.

Effects of various Fe compounds on the bioavailability of Pb contained in orally ingested soils in mice: Mechanistic insights and health implications

Reducing lead (Pb) exposure via oral ingestion of contaminated soils is highly relevant for child health. Elevating dietary micronutrient iron (Fe) intake can reduce Pb oral bioavailability while being beneficial for child nutritional health. However, the practical performance of various Fe compounds was not assessed. Here, based on mouse bioassays, ten Fe compounds applied to diets (100–800 mg Fe kg−1) reduced Pb oral relative bioavailability (RBA) in two soils variedly depending on Fe forms. EDTA-FeNa was most efficient, which reduced Pb-RBA in a soil from 79.5 ± 14.7 % to 23.1 ± 2.72 % (71 % lower) at 100 mg Fe kg−1 in diet, more effective than other 9 compounds at equivalent or higher doses (3.6–68 % lower). When EDTA-FeNa, ferrous gluconate, ferric citrate, and ferrous bisglycinate were supplemented, Fe-Pb co-precipitation was not observed in the intestinal tract. EDTA-FeNa, ferrous gluconate, ferric citrate, and ferrous sulfate suppressed duodenal divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1)mRNA relative expression similarly (27–68 % lower). In comparison, among ten compounds, EDTA-FeNa elevated Fe concentrations in mouse liver, kidney, and blood (1.50–2.69-fold higher) most efficiently, suggesting the most efficient Fe absorption that competed with Pb. In addition, EDTA was unique from other organic ligands, ingestion of which caused 12.0-fold higher Pb urinary excretion, decreasing Pb concentrations in mouse liver, kidney, and blood by 68–88 %. The two processes (Fe-Pb absorption competition and Pb urinary excretion with EDTA) interacted synergistically, leading to the lowest Pb absorption with EDTA-FeNa. The results provide evidence of a better inhibition of Pb absorption by EDTA-FeNa, highlighting that EDTA-FeNa may be the most appropriate supplement for intervention on human Pb exposure. Future researches are needed to assess the effectiveness of EDTA-FeNa for intervention on human Pb exposure.

Dietary diversity is associated with nutrient adequacy, blood biomarkers and anthropometric status among preschool children in poor ethnic minority area of Northwest China.

This study aimed to evaluate the status of dietary diversity, nutrient adequacy, blood biomarkers of nutrients, and anthropometric status, as well as to determine the predictors of dietary diversity score (DDS) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) among preschool children in poor ethnic minority areas of northwest China. A total of 578 healthy preschool children aged 3-6 from 17 kindergartens were selected to assess dietary intake, anthropometric status (height-for-age z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), weight-for-height z-score (WHZ), and blood biomarkers. DDS and nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) were adopted to assess dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy, respectively. The mean DDS (ranging from 1 to 9) was relatively low (4.67 ± 1.56). Most participants consumed starchy staples, but few participants consumed organ meat. DDS was associated with serum potassium, serum iron, WAZ, HAZ, all NARs, and MAR (all p < 0.05). Living in urban areas (β = 0.158), higher household wealth (β = 0.116), and more caregivers' nutritional knowledge (β = 0.022) were positively associated with DDS (all p < 0.01), while living in urban areas (β = 0.031), higher education of caregivers (β = 0.0.027), and higher DDS (β = 0.049) were positively associated with MAR (all p < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary diversity was associated with nutrient adequacy and other health outcomes. Nutritional education and poverty alleviation are integral to improving the nutritional status of preschool children.

Potential effect of dietary zinc intake on telomere length: A cross-sectional study of US adults

Telomere length, which is related to chronic diseases and premature mortality, is influenced by dietary factors. Zinc is known as a dietary antioxidant micronutrient, however, its impact on telomere length remains unclear. We aimed to examine the potential effect of dietary zinc intake on telomere length among middle-aged and older individuals in the US. Our study included 3,793 US participants aged 45 years and older from the 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). 24-h dietary recall interviews were employed to evaluate zinc consumption. Leukocyte telomere length was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We adopted generalized linear models to investigate the effect of dietary zinc intake on telomere length, and subgroup analyses were further applied. We further evaluated the dose-response relationship using restricted cubic spline analysis. Among the 3,793 participants, the average telomere length was 0.926 ± 0.205 (T/S ratio) or 5509.5 ± 494.9 (bp). After adjusting for major confounders, every 5 mg increment in dietary zinc consumption was related to 0.64% (95% CI: 0.17%, 1.10%) longer telomere length. In the subgroup analyses, significant relationships were found in females (Percentage change: 1.11%; 95% CI: 0.48%, 1.75%), obese (Percentage change: 0.88%; 95% CI: 0.26%, 1.50%), and low energy intake individuals (Percentage change: 0.99%; 95% CI: 0.51%, 1.46%). Additionally, we revealed a positive linear relationship between dietary zinc intake and telomere length (P for non-linearity = 0.636). Our study revealed that elevated dietary zinc intake was significantly related to longer telomere length among adults aged 45 years and older in the US. And the association was more pronounced in females, obese, and low energy intake individuals.

Interactions between Dietary Micronutrients, Composition of the Microbiome and Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Cancer Patients.

The effectiveness of immunotherapy in cancer patients depends on the activity of the host's immune system. The intestinal microbiome is a proven immune system modulator, which plays an important role in the development of many cancers and may affect the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapy. The richness of certain bacteria in the gut microbiome (e.g., Bifidobacterium spp., Akkermanisa muciniphila and Enterococcus hire) improves anti-tumor specific immunity and the response to anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy by activating antigen-presenting cells and cytotoxic T cells within the tumor. Moreover, micronutrients affect directly the activities of the immune system or regulate their function by influencing the composition of the microbiome. Therefore, micronutrients can significantly influence the effectiveness of immunotherapy and the development of immunorelated adverse events. In this review, we describe the relationship between the supply of microelements and the abundance of various bacteria in the intestinal microbiome and the effectiveness of immunotherapy in cancer patients. We also point to the function of the immune system in the case of shifts in the composition of the microbiome and disturbances in the supply of microelements. This may in the future become a therapeutic target supporting the effects of immunotherapy in cancer patients.

Lemna as a Sustainable, Highly Nutritious Crop: Nutrient Production in Different Light Environments

Development of a nutritious, sustainable food source is essential to address worldwide deficiencies in human micronutrients. Aquatic floating plants (e.g., species in the family Lemnaceae, duckweeds) are uniquely suited for area-efficient productivity with exceptionally high rates of growth and nutritional quality. Here, we provide an overview of the role of dietary micronutrients (with a focus on carotenoids) in human health and the promise of Lemnaceae as sustainable crops. We examine the effect of growth light environment on plant biomass production and levels of the carotenoids zeaxanthin, lutein, and pro-vitamin A (β-carotene), as well as the antioxidant vitamin E (α-tocopherol), and protein. Data on each of these nutrients are reported on a plant dry biomass basis (as relevant for nutrition) as well as relative to the required input of light energy (as relevant to resource-use efficiency).

Impact of selenium on the intestinal microbiome-eCBome axis in the context of diet-related metabolic health in mice.

Dietary micronutrients act at the intestinal level, thereby influencing microbial communities, the host endocannabinoidome, and immune and anti-oxidative response. Selenium (Se) is a trace element with several health benefits. Indeed, Se plays an important role in the regulation of enzymes with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity as well as indicators of the level of oxidative stress, which, together with chronic low-grade inflammation, is associated to obesity. To understand how Se variations affect diet-related metabolic health, we fed female and male mice for 28 days with Se-depleted or Se-enriched diets combined with low- and high-fat/sucrose diets. We quantified the plasma and intestinal endocannabinoidome, profiled the gut microbiota, and measured intestinal gene expression related to the immune and the antioxidant responses in the intestinal microenvironment. Overall, we show that intestinal segment-specific microbiota alterations occur following high-fat or low-fat diets enriched or depleted in Se, concomitantly with modifications of circulating endocannabinoidome mediators and changes in cytokine and antioxidant enzyme expression. Specifically, Se enrichment was associated with increased circulating plasma levels of 2-docosahexaenoyl-glycerol (2-DHG), a mediator with putative beneficial actions on metabolism and inflammation. Others eCBome mediators also responded to the diets. Concomitantly, changes in gut microbiota were observed in Se-enriched diets following a high-fat diet, including an increase in the relative abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae and Lactobacillaceae. With respect to the intestinal immune response and anti-oxidative gene expression, we observed a decrease in the expression of proinflammatory genes Il1β and Tnfα in high-fat Se-enriched diets in caecum, while in ileum an increase in the expression levels of the antioxidant gene Gpx4 was observed following Se depletion. The sex of the animal influenced the response to the diet of both the gut microbiota and endocannabinoid mediators. These results identify Se as a regulator of the gut microbiome and endocannabinoidome in conjunction with high-fat diet, and might be relevant to the development of new nutritional strategies to improve metabolic health and chronic low-grade inflammation associated to metabolic disorders.

Dietary diversity and micronutrient adequacy among women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study in Southern Thailand

IntroductionAdequate nutritional intake of both macronutrients and micronutrients is essential for maintaining good health throughout life, particularly for women of reproductive age (WRA). The Minimum Dietary Diversity for WRA (MDD-W), or the sum of dietary diversity, is recommended as a simple indicator to identify at-risk WRA populations. However, there are no studies on the MDD-W among WRA in Thailand.ObjectivesTo determine food group diversity, MDD-W, and micronutrient intake of WRA in Southern Thailand.ParticipantsFrom December 2020 to November 2021, 120 healthy, young WRA (average age 33.2 ± 4.5 years) were enrolled.MethodsA 24-h food record was used to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the food consumed. Dietary diversity was classified into ten food groups. The macronutrients and 15 micronutrients were calculated using the software program INMUCAL, which is the standard program for calculating nutrients in Thai food. The calculated intake of each micronutrient was transformed to the probability of adequacy (PA).ResultsThe most common foods consumed were rice, followed by meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Fewer than 40% of the participants consumed beans, dairy products, vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, dark green vegetables, and pulses. The average MDD-W score was 5 (range 2–8). The mean caloric intake (1,865 cal/day) was adequate for non-lactating WRA but was approximately 300 kcal/day lower than the recommendation for lactating WRA. Most WRA consumed lower amounts of micronutrients than those recommended. The mean PA (MPA) of the 15 micronutrients was 0.33 (range 0.0–0.9).ConclusionsNon-pregnant WRA in Songkhla consumed adequate macronutrients but inadequate micronutrients. A nutritional education program regarding the importance of micronutrients should be provided to the public, with special attention to WRA.

Dietary Diversity, Micronutrient Adequacy and Bone Status during Pregnancy: A Study in Urban China from 2019 to 2020.

Diet quality during reproduction is crucial to maternal and infant health. However, the association between dietary diversity and bone health of pregnant women remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the dietary quality of Chinese urban gravidas using the dietary diversity score (DDS), and to explore the relationship of the DDS with micronutrient adequacy and bone health. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 775 pregnant women aged 18 years or older in urban China. Dietary diversity was assessed using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator. A 24-h dietary recall was used to collect diet data and to calculate the MDD-W and the nutrient intake. Bone health was measured using quantitative ultrasound and assessed by the speed of sound (SOS). Pearson's correlation coefficients between the DDS and the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) were calculated. A multivariable linear regression model was used to estimate the effect size of the DDS on the SOS. The mean DDS was 6.61 ± 1.53 points and 91.0% of participants reported the consumption of five or more food groups. Women in the diverse diet subgroup (DDS ≥ 7 points) were more likely to consume all kinds of food except starchy staples and had higher NARs. Pearson's correlation coefficients between the DDS and the NAR ranged from 0.161 to 0.484. For participants in the second trimester, those with a diverse diet had a higher SOS. A multivariable linear regression analysis showed that the DDS was positively and significantly associated with the SOS (β = 17.18, 95% CI = 5.97-28.39, p = 0.003), but this was not the case for women in the first and third trimesters. Urban Chinese women had good dietary diversity during pregnancy. A higher dietary diversity was associated with a higher NAR. From the point of view of bone, a diverse diet was positively correlated with better bone status, suggesting the importance of improving diet diversity for pregnant women, especially from mid-pregnancy.