Dietary Supplements Research Articles

Biochemical and nutritional profiling of selected tropical green seaweeds

The nutritional composition and anti-inflammatory properties of six tropical green seaweeds viz., Ulva lactuca, Ulva linza, Halimeda macroloba, Halimeda gracilis, Chaetomorpha antennina and Chaetomorpha linum were evaluated. U. lactuca exhibited the highest carbohydrate content (66.1%), while U. linza (12.89%) and U. lactuca (12.06%) showed the highest protein content, indicating their potential as plant-based protein sources. H. gracilis contained the highest ash content (35.12%), highlighting its mineral richness, particularly calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Lipid content was low across all species, but U. linza exhibited the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content (22.94%), with α-linolenic acid (13.72%) which could support cardiovascular health. Mineral analysis revealed high calcium levels in C. linum (18.99 mg 100 g-1), contributing to bone health. Pigment analysis showedU. linza contained the highest chlorophyll-a (7.60 μg ml-1) and total carotenoids (0.30 μg ml-1), adding antioxidant potential to its bioactivity. Chaetomorpha linum exhibited the strongest anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 1.60 mg ml-1), with bioactivity correlating to the favorable n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratio. Amino acid analysis identified U. linza as the richest source of essential amino acids, particularly methionine (6.37 mg g-1) and valine (6.30 mg g-1), making it an excellent candidate for dietary supplements. The results of the study suggest that green seaweeds belonging to the family Ulvaceae could be a potential non-conventional source for dietary products and functional food supplements. Keywords: Anti-inflammatory activities, Chlorophyta seaweeds, Essential amino acid, Non-conventional nutritional sources, Polyunsaturated fatty acid

A post-pandemic trend in the consumption of dietary supplements among residents of Lithuania.

The consumption of dietary supplements might prevent the deficiency of necessary nutrients. On the other hand, in cases of overconsumption, adverse effects might occur. In Lithuania, the COVID-19 pandemic provoked an increase in the consumption of dietary supplements. The aim of this study was to reveal the post-pandemic trend of the consumption of dietary supplements among the working-age residents of Lithuania with respect to social and demographic factors and food selection criteria. A cross-sectional observational study was performed. In total, using the same methods, 3,200 residents were surveyed: 1,600 in 2021 and 1,600 in 2022. Both samples were representative for Lithuania and included residents of Lithuania aged from 18 to 64 years. According to socio-demographic factors (sex, age, level of education, type of place of residence, marital status, number of family members, presence of children under 18 years old in the household, employment status, level of income), COVID-19 experience (presence of COVID-19 cases among friends or relatives, severeness of COVID-19) and food selection criteria (health strengthening, other) the prevalence of the consumption of dietary supplements was compared between the samples. The consumption of dietary supplements accounted for 78.1% and 71.6% of the respondents in 2021 and 2022, respectively (p < 0.001). After the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of the consumption of dietary supplements decreased in the majority of social and demographic groups analysed in this article (p < 0.05). The consumption of dietary supplements remained unchanged among those who selected foods for health strengthening (p = 0.098). The prevalence of the consumption of dietary supplements decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic in most social and demographic groups except those who selected foods for health strengthening.

Evaluation of the proximate composition and antioxidant capacity of some seaweeds from the Konkan coast of India

Minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that promote health can be found in abundance in seaweeds. In this study, we evaluated the proximate composition and antioxidant capacity of some seaweeds from Konkan coast of India. There were notable differences in the proximate compositions between the species. The highest protein content was found in Pyropia vietnamensis (~49 mg. g−1 dw), whereas the highest carbohydrate (~83 mg. g−1 dw), lipids (56 mg. g−1 dw) and vitamins were found in Stoechospermum marginatum. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were estimated from a Methanolic extracts. The antioxidant capacity of the seaweeds was evaluated using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ABTS (2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging activity assay. Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to quantify total phenolic content (TPC), and Ulva fasciata had the highest TPC (24.30 ± 3 mg GAE. g−1 dry weight). In U. fasciata, the antioxidant activity was ~62 %, with an IC50 value of 0.057 ± 0.01 mM. Acanthophora spicifera was found to have a strong reducing power, with an IC50 value 0.012 ± 0.002 mM. H2O2 scavenging activity (~79 %) with an IC50 value of 0.006 ± 0.001 mM and 67 % ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.005) was highest in S. marginatum. Analysis showed that TPC exhibited strong positive correlation with both the ferric reducing antioxidant potential and DPPH antioxidant activity. These results showed that these seaweeds have significant antioxidant capacity and rich nutritional properties, which suggest they could be useful sources of functional ingredients for dietary supplements and other food products.

Evaluation of the nutritional value of freeze-dried hydrolysates obtained from fish skin

Protein hydrolysates have a wide range of applications in the food industry. The additives obtained by enzymolysis of collagen-containing secondary fish waste (fish skin) have been freeze-dried. The following protein content is established in freeze-dried protein additives: 95.4/100 g (in pollock skin hydrolysates); 94.8 (cod skin); 92.5 g/100 g (pike-perch skin). The amino acid composition of the additives includes glycine, proline, valine, lysine, and arginine. Comparison of the amino acid composition with the reference protein demonstrates a high degree of satisfaction of the daily requirement for amino acids. The utility coefficient of the amino acid composition indicates a balance of amino acids, which determines the biological value of additives from pollock skin (88.67 %), cod (86.65 %), and pike-perch (79.68 %). Protein additives contain low-molecular peptides with biologically active properties. The assessment of the harmlessness index has been carried out using the simplest organisms: growth, reproduction and absence of death of the cells of the Tetrachymena pyriformis ciliate indicate the harmlessness and high biological value of the protein of protein supplements. The obtained food supplements are proposed to be used in the production of sports nutrition products.

Nutritional Composition and Effect of Loquat Fruit (Eriobotrya japonica L. var. Navela) on Lipid Metabolism and Liver Steatosis in High-Fat High-Sucrose Diet-Fed Mice.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica L.) is a popular fruit known for its sweet and slightly tangy flavor, which is widely consumed both fresh and in various processed forms. This study aimed to analyze the biochemical composition of loquat juice and investigate its metabolic benefits in mice fed a high-fat/high-sucrose diet (HFSD). Mice were fed either a standard diet or an HFSD and received or not the loquat juice at 4 or 8 mL/kg body weight for 8 weeks. Body weight, food efficiency ratio, plasma lipoprotein profile, plasma glucose, and lipid indices were monitored throughout the experiment. At the end of the experiment, additional assessments were performed, including lipid content measurements in liver, adipose tissue, bile, and feces; hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase); hepatic malondialdehyde content; plasma biomarkers of liver injury; liver histology; and organ relative weight. Feeding mice with the HFSD resulted in a significant perturbation in lipid and glucose metabolism, obesity, liver steatosis, and oxidative stress-related enzymes. However, the concomitant administration of loquat juice significantly corrected this imbalance. Fresh loquat juice is low in fat and protein, moderately sugary, and energetically light; however, it is rich in minerals, vitamin C, and various phytochemicals compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. The loquat juice could be considered a functional food and could be valorized through the extraction of active substances and their use as food supplements to prevent lipid metabolism disorders and the resulting health complications.

Bowel Inflammation and Nutrient Supplementation: Effects of a Fixed Combination of Probiotics, Vitamins, and Herbal Extracts in an In Vitro Model of Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction.

The gut microbiota is a very important factor in the state of health of an individual, its alteration implies a situation of "dysbiosis," which can be connected to functional gastrointestinal disorders and pathological conditions, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD), and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). In this work, we studied the effect of a food supplement called ENTERO-AD containing a mix of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA1, L. reuteri LR92, Bifidobacterium breve Bbr8), Matricaria Chamomilla, and B group vitamins (B1, B2, B6) on intestinal inflammation. The in vitro model used for the study is the Caco-2 cell, a culture derived from human intestinal adenocarcinoma; the inflammatory condition was achieved with treatment with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the association between Tumor necrosis factor α/Interferon γ (TNF-α/IFN-γ) [1,2]. The effect of ENTERO-AD was evaluated by cell viability, measures of Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER), paracellular permeability, and immunofluorescence. Results of the study have shown that ENTERO-AD has a favorable effect on Caco-2 cells in inflammatory conditions. It improves the integrity of Occludin and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) proteins, leading to an improvement in terms of TEER values and a reduction of paracellular permeability. This evidence underlines the protective effect of ENTERO-AD and its components in intestinal inflammation.

Edible plant oils modulate gut microbiota during their health-promoting effects: a review.

Edible plant oils are widely used in cooking, cosmetics, health supplement capsules, and other industries, due to their various health-promoting effects. There is increasing evidence that edible plant oils can modulate gut microbiota during their health-promoting effects in animal experiments and cohort or clinical studies. However, the information concerning the gut microbiota modulation of edible plant oils during their health-promoting effects is scattered. In this article, the research progress on gut microbiota modulation of edible plant oils (especially camellia oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil) is summarized. Meanwhile, a summary on correlations between modulated gut microbiota and changed biochemical indexes is provided. The alterations of edible plant oils on gut microbiota-derived metabolites and the correlations between altered metabolites and modulated gut microbiota as well as changed biochemical indexes are reviewed. Furthermore, the prospects for gut microbiota modulation of edible plant oils during their health-promoting effects are put forward. Existing literature has shown that edible plant oils could modulate gut microbiota during their health-promoting effects, and some differential gut microbiota biomarkers were gained. Some similarities and differences existed while the oils exhibited health-promoting actions. Dosage and treatment time have influences on gut microbiota modulation of edible plant oils. Different edible plant oils exhibited different behaviors in modulating gut microbiota, and edible plant oils were mostly different in modulating gut microbiota compared to edible animal oils. Moreover, the modulated gut microbiota was significantly correlated with the changed biochemical indexes. Furthermore, edible plant oils altered SCFAs and other gut microbiota-derived metabolites. The altered metabolites were obviously correlated with the modulated gut microbiota and changed biochemical indexes. This review is helpful to the future research and application of edible plant oils in health-promoting effects from the perspective of gut microbiota.

Interaction of myricetin, ampelopsin (dihydromyricetin), and their sulfate metabolites with serum albumin, cytochrome P450 (CYP2C9, 2C19, and 3A4) enzymes, and organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATP1B1 and OATP2B1).

Myricetin (MYR) and ampelopsin (AMP, or dihydromyricetin) are flavonoid aglycones found in certain plants and dietary supplements. During the presystemic biotransformation of flavonoids, mainly sulfate and glucuronide derivatives are produced, which are the dominant metabolites in the circulation. In this study, we tested the interactions of MYR, myricetin-3'-O-sulfate (M3'S), AMP, and ampelopsin-4'-O-sulfate (A4'S) with human serum albumin (HSA), cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs), and organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs) using invitro models, including the recently developed method for measuring flavonoid levels in living cells. M3'S and MYR bound to albumin with high affinity, and they showed moderate displacing effects versus the Site I marker warfarin. MYR, M3'S, AMP, and A4'S exerted no or only minor inhibitory effects on CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 enzymes. M3'S and MYR caused considerable inhibitory actions on OATP1B1 at low micromolar concentrations (IC50 = 1.7 and 6.4 μM, respectively), while even their nanomolar levels resulted in strong inhibitory effects on OATP2B1 (IC50 = 0.3 and 0.4 μM, respectively). In addition, M3'S proved to be a substrate of OATP1B1 and OATP2B1. These results suggest that MYR-containing dietary supplements may affect the OATP-mediated transport of certain drugs, and OATPs are involved in the tissue uptake of M3'S.

Ameliorating effects of natural herbal supplements against water-borne induced toxicity of heavy metals on Nile tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus)

The efficacy of herbal supplements in mitigating heavy metals (HMs) toxicity was investigated using a widely grown fish, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The experiment was conducted over two phases: during the stress phase, the experimental fishes were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of HMs, including lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper for 15 days; following which during the feeding phase, herbal supplements were given for 70 days to ameliorate their effects. Seven groups were established: the control negative group (CON−ve), control positive group (CON+ve, without any treatment), and five groups with supplementation of 1% turmeric (TUR), cinnamon (CIN), ginger (GIN), garlic (GAR), and their mixture (MIX), respectively. A total of 315 fishes were distributed evenly in experimental tanks (15 fishes per tank, in triplicates). The results revealed that exposure to HMs led to significant (p < 0.05) alterations in all the tested parameters, i.e., liver damage and growth reduction. The herbal supplements, especially the MIX groups, ameliorated the harmful effects of HMs and restored fish growth, digestibility, carcass composition, and liver health. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the herbal supplements were effective in reducing the HMs-linked toxicity in Nile tilapia. Future studies pertaining to the mechanisms facilitated by the various herbal bioactive substances-linked tolerance to HMs in fishes are warranted.

The National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) at 30: A Legacy of Pioneering Research in Natural Products and Dietary Supplements

Since its establishment in 1994, the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) at the University of Mississippi has made notable contributions to the field of natural product research, coinciding with the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Over the past three decades, the Center has focused on studying plants, herbs, and other natural materials for applications in medicine, agriculture, and nutraceuticals, particularly in the area of botanical dietary supplements. NCNPR scientists have been actively engaged in developing and improving quality control measures to help ensure the safety of dietary supplements in response to a growing market. The Center’s research efforts have led to its designation as a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center of Excellence, reflecting its role in advancing scientific understanding of natural products. Through collaborations with various stakeholders and regulators, NCNPR has contributed to shaping the regulatory landscape for botanical dietary supplements, highlighting both their potential health benefits and associated risks, such as product adulteration. The Center’s influence is also evident internationally, as demonstrated by its annual International Conference on the Science of Botanicals, which will mark its 26th year in April 2025. This overview outlines NCNPR’s role in supporting research, regulation, and safety in the natural products field.

Phytochemical screening, HPLC fingerprinting and in vitro assessment of therapeutic potentials of different apricot cultivars against diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and cancer

Plant-based natural compounds are widely used to treat various ailments owing to their readily availability and minimal adverse effects. This study aimed to perform qualitative and quantitative biochemical profiling and assess the in vitro anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer, and anti-cancer activities of various apricot (Prunus armeniaca) cultivars. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to determine the concentrations of bioactive compounds across 10 distinct apricot cultivars. Initial phytochemical screening revealed a significant content of secondary metabolites. Subsequently, methanolic extracts from these cultivars were evaluated for their therapeutic potential against several human cancer cell lines, including prostate cancer (PC-3), lung cancer (A-549), breast cancer (MCF-7), cervical cancer (HELA), and kidney cancer (HEK). Notably, the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 showed a pronounced inhibition rate post-treatment with the apricot extracts. Correlation analysis exhibited phenols are highly correlated with flavonoids (r = 0.92), DPPH (r = 0.95), and alpha-amylase (%) inhibition (r = 0.96), and showed a significant correlation with other parameters. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that PC1 explained 43.31 % of the variance, while PC2 explained 12.88 %, together explaining 80.033 % of the total variance. PC1 was identified as the dominant axis, indicating the primary pattern of variation among the variables. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) divided the cultivars into 2 main clusters, with cluster 2 further subdivided into various sub-clusters and sub-sub-clusters. This analysis highlighted distinct genetic similarities and differences among the apricot cultivars. Among the tested cultivars, ‘Irani’ and ‘Tilton’ were found to contain the highest levels of bioactive constituents. This research marks the first comprehensive examination of the impacts of these two apricot cultivars. The findings from this study provide a robust scientific foundation for the future isolation and purification of therapeutic compounds, potentially leading to their application in pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of the pharmacological properties of apricot cultivars and establishes a basis for further investigation into their clinical benefits.

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Extracts Alleviate Atherosclerosis and Modulate Gut Microbiota in Male Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters

Background and Aims: Hypercholesterolemia leads to cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Previous studies have highlighted the crucial role of gut microbiota in alleviating atherosclerosis progression and reducing plasma cholesterol. However, the protective effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT), a well-known fishy Chinese herb, against hypercholesterolemia and vasculopathy remain largely unknown. This study aims to explore the effects of HCT extracts on vascular health and gut microbiota in golden Syrian hamsters with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: The hypercholesterolemia hamster model was established by feeding with a high-cholesterol diet. Aqueous or ethanolic HCT extracts were mixed with diet and concurrently given to hamsters for Six weeks. Plasma lipid profiles were evaluated. Aortas were collected to detect fatty streak areas. Feces were collected to analyze the abundance of microorganisms in the gut microbiota. Results: HCT ethanolic extract treatment remarkedly decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. Notably, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of HCT reduced atherosclerotic plaques in hamsters fed with a high-cholesterol diet. Strikingly, the effects of HCT ethanolic extract in reducing atherosclerotic plaques are greater than aqueous extract. Furthermore, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was decreased in hamsters treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of HCT. By contrast, the abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased by HCT treatment. At the family level, HCT extract favourably modulated the relative abundance of Porphyromonadaceae and Bacteroidales_S24-7_group. These findings indicate that HCT extracts may facilitate the growth of short-chain fatty acids-producing bacteria to alter gut microbiota composition, contributing to the reduction of plasma lipid levels. Conclusions: This study offers evidence demonstrating the effects of HCT extracts on alleviating atherosclerosis and lowering plasma cholesterol levels in the male hypercholesterolemic hamster model, offering novel insights into the pharmacological effects and promoting the application of HCT. This study highlights the potential of HCT as a dietary supplement to alleviate atherosclerosis, lower plasma cholesterol, and modulate the abundance of microorganisms in gut microbiota.

Garlic-Induced Enhancement of Bifidobacterium: Enterotype-Specific Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Populations

The gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem crucial for maintaining its host’s health by regulating various immune and metabolic functions. Since diet plays a fundamental role in shaping the gut microbiome, understanding the relationship between food consumption and microbiome structure is essential. Although medicinal plants are widely recognized for their broad health benefits, their specific impact on the gut microbiome remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) on the gut microbiome using an in vitro human fecal incubation model. Our findings revealed that the impact of garlic on gut microbial structure varied depending on the dominant gut microbiome components (enterotypes). The Bacteroides-dominant enterotype exhibited significant changes in overall microbial diversity in response to garlic, while the Prevotella-dominant enterotype remained unaffected. Additionally, the garlic treatment led to specific alterations in microbiota composition, such as an increase in beneficial probiotics like Bifidobacterium. We validated garlic’s prebiotic potential by promoting the growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis under in vitro culture conditions. Our study highlights the importance of understanding enterotype-specific responses to diet and suggests that garlic may serve as a dietary supplement for modulating gut microbiota and promoting the growth of beneficial probiotics.

Long-term food supplementation with sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) prevents age-associated cognitive decline in female mice.

Background: Mild cognitive decline, a common issue in aging, affects memory, learning, and attention. Nutrition can influence cognition, and research indicates that Ocimum sp. (holy basil and sweet basil) leaf extracts may enhance cognition in rodents and humans. However, these studies do not address whether these benefits extend to fresh or dry leaves consumed in typical human diets, along with physiological aging. Aim: To investigate the effects of sweet basil supplementation on cognition in mature and aged female mice. Methods: Female C57bl mice were divided into four groups: 8-month-old mature adults and 18-month-old aged adults, each receiving either a control or supplemented diet. The supplemented diet included a mix of standard chow and fresh basil leaves, administered for 2-8 months. Cognitive and behavioral assessments were conducted using the novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and elevated plus maze (EPM) tasks, focusing on memory, learning, and anxiety. Results: No cognitive improvement was observed in mature mice. However, aged mice receiving long-term basil supplementation showed enhanced discrimination in NOR and stayed closer to the absent platform in MWM compared to nonsupplemented controls. While aging mice exhibited reduced anxiety-like behavior in EPM, basil supplementation prevented this reduction. Conclusion: Basil supplementation appears beneficial in elderly mice, potentially preventing age-related cognitive decline and behavioral changes. These findings support the benefits of basil consumption in cognition and underscore its potential role in promoting healthy aging. Incorporating basil into the diet at a younger age may preserve memory and mitigate behavioral changes as individuals age.

Cloud point extraction and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles isolated from infant milk formulas

The increasing presence of nanoparticles in food products, especially in those consumed by sensitive populations like infants, raises justified health concerns. The presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in three different commercial infant milk formulas were analyzed. In addition, one maternal food supplement was included in this study. Notably, existing regulations lack specificity regarding the size distribution of nanoparticles (NPs) and the maximum permissible concentrations in commercial infant products. Except in one sample, the total zinc content exceeded the reported amount in the nutritional label, which varied from 34 to 119 µg/g. This work validated the cloud point extraction (CPE) technique for the effective isolation of ZnO-NPs from the selected products. CPE was then used to evaluate the ZnO-NPs concentrations in commercially available infant formulas and maternal supplements. Using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), the ZnO-NPs and total Zn concentrations were determined. The ZnO-NPs concentration ranged from 16 to 39 µg/g, representing a considerable portion of the total zinc content. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis indicated the presence of nanoparticles with an average diameter of 6.3 nm. The NPs size could determine their cell internalization, and thus, the potential cytotoxic effects are discussed. These findings underscore the need for rigorous isolation and quantification of nanoparticles from infant milk formulas, and as an inevitable first step for in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies to address the potential health impact of nanoparticles in food products.

Contribution of fortified foods and dietary supplements to total nutrient intakes and their adequacy in Japanese adults

BackgroundThis study examined how fortified foods and dietary supplements contributed to total nutrient intakes and their adequacy in Japanese adults.MethodsNutrient intake was estimated from 4-day dietary records of 392 adults (20–69 years) in total intake considering intakes from fortified foods and dietary supplements and in base diets without considering their intake. Users were defined as participants who used at least one fortified foods and/or dietary supplements during the 4-day recording period. The proportion of participants whose intake was below the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) or exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese was calculated.ResultsIn 122 identified users (31% of participants) of fortified foods and/or dietary supplements, the mean contributions of fortified foods and dietary supplements to total intake were < 4% and < 21%, respectively, for all 25 examined nutrients. Users were more likely to meet the EAR than non-users for six nutrients in the base diets and nine nutrients in the total intake. Among the users, the prevalence of participants below the EAR decreased by ≥ 10% in the total intake compared with the base diet for five nutrients. No nutrient intake from the base diet exceeded the UL in users and non-users; however, vitamin B6 intake in 2% of users exceeded the UL of their total intake.ConclusionAlthough the users of fortified foods and/or dietary supplements had better nutrient intake than non-users in base diets, fortified foods and dietary supplements helped the Japanese users achieve adequate intakes of certain nutrients without a risk of excessive intake (except for vitamin B6).

Quality System Requirements of Dietary Supplements: An Overview of 21 CFR Part 111

Quality System Requirements of Dietary Supplements: An Overview of 21 CFR Part 111

Immunomodulatory peptides from sturgeon cartilage: Isolation, identification, molecular docking and effects on RAW264.7 cells

Sturgeons (Acipenseridae), ancient fish known for their caviar, produce underutilized by-products like protein-rich cartilage, which is a source of high-quality bioactive peptides. This study investigates immunomodulatory peptides from sturgeon cartilage hydrolysates mechanisms. The study found that sturgeon cartilage hydrolysate F2–7 and its key peptides(DHVPLPLP and HVPLPLP)significantly promoted RAW267.4 cell proliferation, NO release, and phagocytosis (P < 0.001).Additionally, western blotting confirmed that F2–7 enhances immune response by increasing the expression of P-IKKα/β, IΚΚ, p65, and P-p65 proteins in the NF-κB signalling pathway (P < 0.01). Molecular docking further demonstrated that DHVPLPLP and HVPLPLP bind to NF-κB pathway proteins via hydrogen bonding, with low estimated binding energies (−2.75 and −1.64; −6.04 and −4.75 kcal/mol), thus establishing their role as key immune peptides in F2–7. Therefore, DHVPLPLP and HVPLPLP have the potential to be developed as dietary supplements for immune enhancement. Their ability to enhance immune function provides a theoretical basis for novel immune supplements.

Chondroitin Sulfate from Halaelurus burgeri Skin Inhibits Hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Inflammation, and Regulates Gut Microbiota.

Previous study has demonstrated the chemical structure of chondroitin sulfate (CHS) from Halaelurus burgeri skin and its effects on insulin resistance. However, the precise impact of this phenomenon on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation, which contribute to insulin resistance, remains unclear. This study is to investigate the impact of CHS on ER stress, inflammatory response and signaling, and gut microbiota in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice receive dietary gavage intervention of CHS for 18 weeks. Blood, liver tissue, and feces are harvested for further investigation. Results show that CHS inhibits ER stress, accompanied by lowered blood glucose, nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen (ROS), and free fatty acids (FFA) levels, and increases hepatic glycogen accumulation. Moreover, hepatic inflammation is improved by CHS treatment via inactivation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling and its downstream c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathways. Additionally, CHS regulates gut microbiota, particularly the decline in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. CHS also lowers fecal lipopolysaccharide and elevates several fecal short chain fatty acids. These findings suggest that CHS from H. burgeri skin may be an alternative functional food supplement for anti-ER stress, anti-inflammtion, and regulation of gut microbiota.

Мелатонин и мужское бесплодие, вызванное окислительным стрессом

Among couples unable to conceive a child, infertility is explained by the male factor in about 50% of cases. The etiology of male infertility remains uncertain in 30-50% of patients. One of the frequent etiological factors of male infertility is oxidative stress, a statusin which an unbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the mechanisms of antioxidant protection. Today, the term «male oxidative stressinfertility» has been proposed as a new descriptor for infertile men with a combination of abnormalsperm characteristics and oxidative stress. Along with the use of traditional antioxidants, it is necessary to search for new moleculesto combat oxidative stressin infertile men. A promising strategy is to use melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, as an antioxidant. The review examinesthe antioxidant effects of the melatonin metabolic cascade. The results ofstudies on the relationship between the level of melatonin in seminal plasma and male fertility are presented. New scientific data on the protective potential of melatonin against oxidative stress caused by various metabolic disorders, anticancer chemo- and radiation therapy and other pathogenetic conditions and negative effects are presented. The research on the prospects of using melatonin to protectspermatozoa from oxidative damage in the implementation of assisted reproductive technologiesis analyzed. The interim results ofstudies on the possibility of using melatonin as a dietary supplement in infertile men are summarized.