Fiber Intake Research Articles

Demographic and Dietary Determinants of the Association between Dietary Fiber Intake and Obesity in Japanese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study (JDDM 78).

To evaluate the association between dietary fiber intake and obesity in Japanese outpatients with type 2 diabetes, as well as the demographic and dietary factors influencing this association. Cross-sectional study with nationwide registry data on Japanese type 2 diabetes outpatients (2014-2019). Diet was self-reported via a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Clinics throughout Japan. 1,565 Japanese outpatients with type 2 diabetes (63.1% men; age range 30-89 years). Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher dietary fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of obesity in all participants (95% CI = 0.439-0.795, p < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed a significant inverse association between fiber intake and obesity in men and the older age groups (59-89 years), but not in women or the younger age group (30-58 years). In men, higher fiber intake was associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors, including increased physical activity (p < 0.001) and non-smoking (p < 0.001), with stronger associations compared to women. Vegetables, fruits, and soybeans/soy products were strongly correlated with fiber, while grains had a weak correlation. Folate was the micronutrient most strongly correlated with fiber. Higher fiber intake was associated with lower obesity risk, particularly in men and older age groups. These findings emphasize the need for targeted public health initiatives promoting the intake of diverse fiber-rich foods to effectively manage obesity. Further research is needed to understand sex- and age-specific factors in the fiber-obesity relationship in diverse populations.

Differential effects of dietary and physical activity interventions on adiposity of children with obesity.

Managing obesity in children remains challenging. In addition to body mass index (BMI), incorporating body composition into evaluations of post-obesity interventions would help assess changes in adiposity. This study aimed to identify the relationship between dietary intake, physical activity, and changes in BMI z-scores and adiposity among children with obesity. Children aged 7-15 years with obesity received monthly dietary and physical activity instructions for 6 months. Three-day dietary records and physical activity questionnaires were collected at 0, 3, and 6 months. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. These relationships were analyzed using uni- and multivariate linear regression analyses. A total of 155 children with obesity completed the 6-month study. A higher total protein intake per ideal weight for height was significantly correlated with a decrease in BMI z-score and trunk fat mass index (trunk fat mass [FM] in kg/height in m2). Mean dietary fiber intake was negatively correlated with BMI z-score, FM, FM index (FMI, FM in kg/height in m2), and visceral fat area (VFA) at 6 months. Each 1 g/kg/day increase in protein intake and additional 1 g/day of dietary fiber intake led to a 0.191 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.309 to -0.072) and 0.028 kg/m2 (-0.05 to -0.005) reduction in BMI z-score. Each 1 g/day increase in protein intake led to a reduction of 0.009 kg/m² in trunk FMI (-0.016 to -0.002) and 0.21 cm² in VFA (-0.418 to -0.002). The outcomes observed at 6 months were consistent with the overall 6-month findings, reinforcing the efficacy of the intervention. Our study showed beneficial effects of high dietary protein and fiber intakes on BMI z-scores and adiposity of children with obesity. Fine-tuning dietary interventions that emphasize appropriate protein and fiber intakes may be more practical for managing childhood obesity.

Survey of nutritional intake status in college baseball players.

Diet is closely related to exercise performance. To improve athletes' performance and manage their condition, it is important to get sufficient energy and various nutrients. Thus, it is necessary that athletes understand their nutritional intake status to improve performance and maintain health. This study aimed to explore the nutritional intake status of college baseball players using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Furthermore, the characteristics of their nutritional intake status with respect to athletic performance were evaluated. The result of this studyprovide an opportunity for many under-developed college athletes with irregular lifestyles to recognize and improve their nutritional problems. In October 2022, a questionnaire survey of 116 male members of a college baseball club was conducted. Of whom, 100 (94.3%) members responded to the survey and 92 (92.0%) provided valid responses. The survey items included basic characteristics such as college grade and type of living arrangement, and information on living conditions, e.g. whether the participant ate breakfast. Nutritional intake was evaluated using the FFQ. Players were divided into the first (regular players in official games), second (bench players in official games), third (players who may join the second or higher team in the future), and fourth teams (players who do not belong to the first to third teams); these categories were used as a marker of performance level. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the association between the performance levels of baseball players and the intake of each nutrient and food group obtained by the FFQ. For items that showed a significant association, inter-group comparison was performed using the Dunn-Bonferroni method. Carbohydrate intake was greater in the second team compared with the third and fourth teams; saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid intake was higher in the third team compared with the fourth team. Calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, insoluble dietary fiber, iodine, and molybdenum intake was higher in the second team compared with the fourth team. Intake of grains, sugar, dairy, and total energy was significantly higher in the second team compared with the fourth team. However, the protein intake ratio was significantly lower in the second team compared with the fourth team. Overall, energy deficiency and associated deficiencies in protein, fat, and carbohydrate were observed, in addition to dietary fiber and calcium deficiencies. The intake of several food groups appeared inadequate, such as potatoes, beans, vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, and fats. The study showed deficiencies in the amount of energy and nutrients such as protein, fat, and carbohydrate in college baseball players. Differences in the intake of carbohydrate, calcium, and insoluble dietary fiber among different performance levels were observed, with significantly higher intake of carbohydrate, calcium, and insoluble dietary fiber in the second team. Implementing organized and strategic remedial measures and athletes' identification of nutritional problems are vital to overcome nutritional and energy deficiencies. This study provides useful information for the development of strategies to support nutritional intake in college baseball players.

Fluid intake, fiber consumption, and physical activity related to constipation among elderly, which one is more important? A cross-sectional study in Iran

Background: Chronic constipation is a common, self-reported, and symptom-based disorder which can significantly influence an individual’s health-related quality of life and imposes several financial costs. Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of water consumption, fiber intake, and physical activity (PA) on constipation, and which one is more critical by considering the mediating effect of BMI. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 400 older adults in 2019 referring to the comprehensive health service centers in Karaj, the capital of Alborz province. The data were collected using the questionnaires of demographic and anthropometric characteristics, PASE (Physical activity for elderly), fluid intake, FFQ (Food Frequency questionnaire), Wexner constipation, and Persian lifestyle questionnaire analyzed using SPSS and LISREL software. Results: Based on the final fitted model, PA is the most critical constipation-related factor compared to the fluid intake and fiber consumption. In addition, fiber consumption is the second crucial factor affecting constipation, and there is a negative association between constipation and fiber intake. Conclusion: As price is one of the barriers to fiber consumption among the elderly, the recommendation to do physical activity such as walking to solve constipation is efficient and inexpensive for individuals with different socio-economic status. Keywords: Physical activity, Wexner constipation, fiber consumption, elderly, Iran.

Lessons Learned From Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes in South Asians: Kelly West Award Lecture 2024.

South Asia has high prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Until the 1990s, the prevalence of T2D within South Asia was low but much higher in the South Asian diaspora living abroad. Today, high prevalence rates of T2D are reported among those living in South Asia. T2D in South Asians presents with unique clinical features described as the "South Asian phenotype" that include younger age at onset of diabetes than in White Europeans, much lower BMI, hyperinsulinemia and greater insulin resistance, rapid decline in β-cell function resulting in low insulin reserve, low muscle mass, and greater ectopic fat deposition, especially in the liver. Also, prevalence of impaired fasting glucose is higher among South Asians than prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance. Genetic predisposition combined with intrauterine fetal programming (low vitamin B12 intake and high folate intake) increases susceptibility to T2D, from birth. In later life, overnutrition, especially a high carbohydrate intake with refined grains of higher glycemic index, coupled with low physical activity likely triggers the T2D epidemic in South Asians. Additionally, there are emerging risk factors like air pollution. Preventing T2D in South Asians requires a multifactorial approach, including improvements in maternal and fetal nutrition with special reference to vitamin B12 and folate intake, decreasing refined carbohydrate and increasing protein and fiber intake in the diet, increasing physical activity, and control of air pollution. Lessons learned from epidemiology of T2D in South Asians could be useful to other developing countries that are in earlier stages of epidemiological transition.

Malnutrition Defined by Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria, Cachexia, and Dietary Intake Among Adult Patients with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Background and AimsMalnutrition is associated with high morbidity and mortality among patients with cancer. In Malawi, there is limited data on the prevalence of malnutrition and cachexia and associated factors among adult out-patients with cancer. We therefore assessed factors associated with malnutrition, cachexia, and dietary intake in adult outpatients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Cancer Centre in Malawi, targeting adult outpatients with different types of cancer. Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometrics, health-related information, inflammatory biomarkers, and dietary intakes. We screened for malnutrition risk using the Malnutrition Screening Tool and assessed for malnutrition and cachexia using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition and Fearon criteria, respectively. Multivariate logistic and linear regressions examined the factors associated with malnutrition, cachexia, and dietary intake at p<0.05, using SPSS. ResultsOur study included 97 patients with a mean age of 49.24 ± 13.9 years, and 68.0% were female. The common types of cancer were cervical (47.4%) and gastrointestinal (20.6%). Approximately 51.5% of the patients were at risk of malnutrition, 33.0% were malnourished, and 24.7% had cachexia. The estimated median [Interquartile range: IQR] protein (0.99 g/kg/day [0.76; 1.42]; p=0.028) and dietary fiber (19.40 g/day [12.85; 29.50]) intakes were lower than the recommendations. The risk of malnutrition increased with anorexia (p=0.011) and reduced with normal handgrip strength (p=0.037). Gastrointestinal cancer (p=0.016) and high C-reactive protein (p=0.002) were associated with malnutrition. Having gastrointestinal cancer (p=0.040), living with HIV (p=0.030), anorexia (p=0.029), and inadequate energy intake (p=0.012) were associated with cachexia. Furthermore, gastrointestinal cancer was negatively associated with energy (p<0.0001) and protein (p=0.010) intakes. ConclusionsMalnutrition, cachexia, and inadequate dietary intake are of concern in Malawian patients with cancer. Therefore, tailored dietetic/nutrition interventions are urgently needed in this population.

The Association of Fruits and Vegetables Consumption and COVID-19: Results from Yazd Health Study and TAMYZ Study

Background: COVID-19 has caused a high health burden worldwide and increased the need to identify factors affecting its risk. Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet and immune system function. This study investigated the associations between fruit and vegetable intake and COVID-19 incidence in a large sample of Iranian adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used data from 9189 participants of Yazd Health Study (YaHS) and Taghzieh Mardom-e-Yazd (TAMIZ) study aged 20 to 70 years. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: After adjusting for confounding variables, we found that higher intake of total fruit (OR: 0.42, CI: 0.20–0.83, P-trend =0.05), fresh fruit (OR: 0.46, CI: 0.23– 0.92, P-trend =0.04), green leafy vegetables (OR: 0.48, CI: 0.24–0.96, P-trend =0.08), and vitamin C (OR: 0.38, CI: 0.17– 0.81, P-trend =0.02) were associated with lower odds of COVID-19. No significant associations were observed for fruit juice, dried fruit, fruit compote, cruciferous vegetables, yellow vegetables, total vegetables and dietary fiber intake. Conclusion: Our study suggests that higher consumption of fresh fruit, total fruit, green leafy vegetables, and dietary vitamin C may reduce the risk of COVID-19. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and provide evidence-based nutritional recommendations. Furthermore, the current study's findings could be important for similar pandemics.

Ultra Processed Food Addiction among People: A Mini-Review of the Evidence

Background: According to the availability of various types of processed food products worldwide, the demand for their consumption has increased. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) containing high amounts of sodium, hydrogenated oils, and refined carbohydrates are triggers for activating the same neural pathways and act like drug abuse. On the other hand, changing the food environment is a key factor in obesity prevalence and its related outcomes. It may be attributed to addiction to foods that has also been called “eating dependence” which emphasizes the behavior, not the food itself. Food addiction is important for a better understanding of psychiatric and medical problems such as eating disorders, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Methods: In this mini-review, we will examine food addiction and the appropriate strategies for its management. Conclusion: Because food addiction has negative health consequences, strategies for reducing the accessibility of UPFs should be warranted. Also, high fiber intake and consumption of probiotic products should be considered. Further interventional studies are needed to manage this problem.

The Relationship Between Age and Blood Sugar Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Outpatient at Wonogiri Health Center, North Lampung in 2024

Background &amp; Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status, carbohydrate intake, and fiber intake on blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Wonogiri Health Center. Method: This study was conducted in December 2024. This research design uses analytic observational quantitative research with a cross sectional approach. The sample of this study were patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Wonogiri Health Center work area as many as 57 respondents. Bivariate analysis of this study using the Spearman Rho test. Result: his study shows that there is no significant relationship between age and blood sugar levels of respondents (Sig. &gt; 0.05). This happens because each individual has differences regarding other risk factors such as lifestyle, physical activity that may affect the condition of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between age and blood sugar levels of respondents.

The association of energy or macronutrient intake in three meals with depression in adults with cardiovascular disease: the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2018.

There is growing evidence that individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are more likely to develop depression.The timing of food intake can significantly alter the body's circadian rhythm and affect the occurrence of depression. Currently, it is unknown whether and how energy or macronutrient intake times are associated with depression in adults with CVD. To evaluate dietary energy or macronutrient intake (across three meals) associations with depression in adults with CVD in a nationally representative sample. The study population consisted of 3,490 U.S. adults with CVD (including 554with depression) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2018. Energy and macronutrient intake was measured by a 24-h dietary recall, and depression was diagnosed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, score ≥ 10). According to dietary energy or macronutrient intake across three meals, adults with CVD were divided into five groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine associations between energy or macronutrient intake and depression after adjusting for a series of confounding factors,including age, gender, education level, household income, smoking status, drinking status, physical activity, marital status, skipping breakfast/lunch/dinner, total energy, carbohydrate, protein,dietary fiber, SFA, MUFA, and PUFA intake, T2DM and hypertension status, and BMI. Dietary substitution models were used to explore changes in depression risk when 5% dietary energy intake at dinner or lunch was substituted with energy intake at breakfast. When compared with participants in the lowest quintile of breakfast energy intake, those who received energy intake in the highest quintile at breakfast were associated with lower depression risk in those with CVD, and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was0.71 (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.91).When compared with participants in the lowest quintile of lunch or dinner energy intake, the risk of depression did not exhibit statistical significance when lunch or dinner energy intake was in the highest quintile, and the adjusted ORswere1.08 (95% CI,0.65 to 1.83) and 0.92(95% CI,0.62to1.37), respectively. Isocalorically replacing 5% of total energy at dinner or lunch with breakfast was associated with 5% (OR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.97) and 5% (OR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.96) lower risk of depression, respectively. High energy intake at breakfast may be associated with a lower risk of depression in those with CVD.We should focus on the potential role of breakfast energy intake in preventing the onset of depression.

Food consumption and cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents living with HIV: a systematic review

ABSTRACT The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the dietary intake of children and adolescents living with HIV and its association with cardiovascular risk factors. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, BIREME and LILACS were searched for original observational studies. The studies were extracted between June and August 2021, in addition to a manual search of references. Twelve studies involving 1,805 participants aged 6.5 to 17.3 years were included. An association between energy intake, low sugar and fat intake and the presence of lipodystrophy syndrome was reported in 1 of the 12 (8.3%) studies, between fat intake and plasma lipid levels in 1 (8.3%), and between low fiber intake and high z-scores for BMI in 1 (8.3%); there was a positive correlation between cholesterol intake and plasma triglyceride levels in 1 study (8.3%). In conclusion, a dietary pattern of low consumption of fruits and vegetables was identified, but few studies have reported associations between dietary intake and cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, there is a need for nutritional guidance strategies aimed at changing inappropriate eating habits in order to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in this population.

Relationship Among Macronutrients, Dietary Components, and Objective Sleep Variables Measured by Smartphone Apps: Real-World Cross-Sectional Study.

Few studies have explored the relationship between macronutrient intake and sleep outcomes using daily data from mobile apps. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations between macronutrients, dietary components, and sleep parameters, considering their interdependencies. We analyzed data from 4825 users of the Pokémon Sleep and Asken smartphone apps, each used for at least 7 days to record objective sleep parameters and dietary components, respectively. Multivariable regression explored the associations between quartiles of macronutrients (protein; carbohydrate; and total fat, including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats), dietary components (sodium, potassium, dietary fiber, and sodium-to-potassium ratio), and sleep variables (total sleep time [TST], sleep latency [SL], and percentage of wakefulness after sleep onset [%WASO]). The lowest intake group was the reference. Compositional data analysis accounted for macronutrient interdependencies. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. Greater protein intake was associated with longer TST in the third (+0.17, 95% CI 0.09-0.26 h) and fourth (+0.18, 95% CI 0.09-0.27 h) quartiles. In contrast, greater fat intake was linked to shorter TST in the third (-0.11, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.27 h) and fourth (-0.16, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.07 h) quartiles. Greater carbohydrate intake was associated with shorter %WASO in the third (-0.82%, 95% CI -1.37% to -0.26%) and fourth (-0.57%, 95% CI -1.13% to -0.01%) quartiles, while greater fat intake was linked to longer %WASO in the fourth quartile (+0.62%, 95% CI 0.06%-1.18%). Dietary fiber intake correlated with longer TST and shorter SL. A greater sodium-to-potassium ratio was associated with shorter TST in the third (-0.11, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.02 h) and fourth (-0.19, 95% CI -0.28 to -0.10 h) quartiles; longer SL in the second (+1.03, 95% CI 0.08-1.98 min) and fourth (+1.50, 95% CI 0.53-2.47 min) quartiles; and longer %WASO in the fourth quartile (0.71%, 95% CI 0.15%-1.28%). Compositional data analysis, involving 6% changes in macronutrient proportions, showed that greater protein intake was associated with an elevated TST (+0.27, 95% CI 0.18-0.35 h), while greater monounsaturated fat intake was associated with a longer SL (+4.6, 95% CI 1.93-7.34 min) and a larger %WASO (+2.2%, 95% CI 0.63%-3.78%). In contrast, greater polyunsaturated fat intake was associated with a reduced TST (-0.22, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.05 h), a shorter SL (-4.7, 95% CI to 6.58 to -2.86 min), and a shorter %WASO (+2.0%, 95% CI -3.08% to -0.92%). Greater protein and fiber intake were associated with longer TST, while greater fat intake and sodium-to-potassium ratios were linked to shorter TST and longer WASO. Increasing protein intake in place of other nutrients was associated with longer TST, while higher polyunsaturated fat intake improved SL and reduced WASO.

Mineral salt and urea in finishing bulls on tropical pasture: performance, carcass traits, and meat fatty acid composition

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mineral supplementation (MS, Control) and mineral supplementation combined with urea (MS + U) on feed intake, apparent digestibility, performance, carcass traits, and the lipid profile of the meat from Girolando bulls finished on pasture. Twenty bulls with an initial weight of 345.60 ± 56 kg and an age of 24 months were used. The bulls were assigned to one of two treatments – MS or MS + U, ad libitum – using a completely randomised design and were maintained on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pasture for 285 days. The addition of urea did not affect (P > 0.05) the intake or apparent digestibility of dry matter or neutral detergent fiber in the bulls’ diets. The average daily gain was 14% higher (P < 0.05) in MS bulls; however, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed in carcass weight (238 kg) or carcass fat thickness (3.85 mm). The chemical composition, tenderness, and fatty acid profile of the meat did not differ (P > 0.05) between the MS and MS + U groups. Ultimately, incorporating urea into the mineral supplement did not confer any benefits regarding the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of bulls finished on pasture.

Effects of Kefir Consumption on Gut Microbiota and Athletic Performance in Professional Female Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of the daily consumption of kefir on the gut microbiome, body composition, and athletic performance of professional female soccer players. Methods: The participants encompassed 21 females aged 18–29 years who were assigned to one of the two groups: the experimental group, which comprised females who consumed 200 mL of kefir daily for 28 days, and the control group, which comprised females who continued with their normal diet. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, the composition of the gut microbiome through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and an athletic performance test known as the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test were performed before and after the intervention. Results: The results of this study revealed that the consumption of kefir increased the microbial diversity (Shannon and Chao1 indices), wherein a significant increase was noted in the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, microorganisms that regulate energy metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the athletic performance variables, including VO2max (mL.kg−1.min−1) and finishing speed (km/h), were strongly related to the abundance of these short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. A link between the microbiota profile and the dietary intake of fiber and protein as well as the body composition measurements was also established. Conclusions: This study indicated that kefir consumption can positively affect the gut microbiota, which could in turn affect the athletes’ performance. Therefore, to determine the effects of kefir as a functional food in sports nutrition over a longer period, more research should be conducted.

An Assessment of the Nutritional Profile of Foods Accessible to Incarcerated Males in Alabama.

Many chronic medical conditions that can result from poor nutrition are more prevalent in the incarcerated population than in the general population. With the increasing prevalence of chronic medical conditions and limited knowledge on foods accessible to the population, this study assessed the 4-week menu fed to all incarcerated males at state-run facilities in Alabama. Compared with the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range for the average incarcerated male, the percentage of energy from total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol exceeded the recommendation. In contrast, the menu failed to provide the recommended fiber intakes and most vitamins and minerals met less than two thirds of recommendations. Small revisions in the menu could minimize the risk of developing chronic medical conditions and increase quality of life.

Diet, lifestyle and telomere length: using Copula Graphical Models on NHANES data.

Telomere length has been related to human health and ageing in multiple studies. However, these studies have analyzed a small set of variables, according to pre-formulated hypotheses. We used data from NHANES 1999-2002 to perform a preregistered cross-sectional analysis. From these four years we selected the participants with available leukocyte telomere length measure and with plausible daily energy intake, leading to a total study population of 7096 participants. Then, we divided the participants in three groups according to age: Young 20-39 (n = 2623), Middle 40-59 (n = 2210), Old 60-84 (n = 2263). On each group we performed Copula Graphical Modelling (CGM) to capture the links between the variables of interest, and we conducted certainty and sensitivity analyses to understand the robustness of the results. Blood levels of C-reactive protein and γ-tocopherol, and intake of caffeine and fibers are inversely related to telomere length across the age strata. Sex, race, smoking, physical activity and indicators of socioeconomic status have almost no direct connection with telomeres; however, they are directly linked to C-reactive protein, which in turn is connected to leukocyte telomere length. C-reactive protein is therefore a possible central mediator of the effect of these factors on telomeres.

Bakery Waste Inclusion in the Diet of Growing Black Goat Kids: Evaluation of Performance and Health Aspects

The influence of bakery waste (BAWA) in the diet of black goat kids on nutrient intake, health, growth potential, and carcass features was assessed. Three treatment diets, consisting of 0 BAWA (CON), 50 g/kg BAWA (BAWA50), and 100 BAWA (BAWA100) of dietary dry matter (DM), were administered to 27 male kids (initial body weight = 17.43 ± kg; age = 105 ± 3.5 days) at random (9/treatment). Bakery waste was included in diets BAWA50 and BAWA100, replacing some of the barley grain. The study lasted for 70 days (7 days used for adaptation and 63 days used for data collection). Kids in the BAWA100 group consumed considerably more (p &lt; 0.01) DM, crude protein (CP), and metabolizable energy than those in the BAWA50 and CON groups. However, intakes of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ether extract (EE) were similar (p ≥ 0.08) among the treatment diets. The kids’ initial and final body weights, total growth, and average daily weight were not substantially impacted (p ≥ 0.13) by the addition of BAWA. All diets had similar feed efficiency when it came to converting feed into body weight increases (p ≥ 0.11). Nevertheless, the BAWA diet yielded a considerably lower cost gain (p = 0.04) than the CON diet. The three treatment groups had no differences (p ≥ 0.15) in DM, ADF, NDF, and EE digestibility. However, compared to the CON group, the digestibility of CP tended to improve (p = 0.07) in the BAWA100 and BAWA50 groups. The three experimental groups’ nitrogen (N) intakes did not differ significantly from one another (p &gt; 0.33). Additionally, the three diets’ N retention percentage and grams/d were equivalent (p &gt; 0.33). Several carcass metrics, such as dressing percentage, hot and cold carcass weights, fasting live weight, and non-carcass components, were not significantly affected (p &gt; 0.23) by the addition of BAWA. Additionally, no differences in carcass cut weights were found. The inclusion of BAWA100 and BAWA50 increased loin cut weight (p = 0.043) and total lean muscle weight (p = 0.001) compared to the CON group. Other components, such as intermuscular fat, subcutaneous fat, total fat, total bone, meat-to-bone ratio, and meat-to-fat ratio, were similar among the three diet groups. Concerning carcass linear dimension measurements, only rib fat depth was greater (p = 0.008) in kids fed the BAWA100 diet compared to the BAWA50 and CON diets. No significant variation was observed among the treatments concerning various physicochemical properties of the longissimus dorsi muscle in the black goat kids. All measured serum metabolites and hematological parameters were not affected by the incorporation of BAWA into the diet. In summary, the inclusion of 50 and 100 g/kg BAWA in the diet had comparable effects on the black goat kids’ feed intake, digestibility, growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and overall health. Importantly, feed costs can be reduced by using up to 100 g/kg of BAWA on a DM basis.

Nutritional, phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of the red and white Malakwang (hibiscus species) leaves

Malakwang (Hibiscus species) is a common vegetable in Uganda diets. This study established the nutritional, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activities of the red and white malakwang leaves. Malakwang leaves were harvested six weeks after germination. Nutrients and phytochemicals were quantified and qualified using the methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2, 2- Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method. The quantity of crude fat was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the white malakwang leaf samples (6.9 %) than the red (3.3%). The red had significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) quantities of calcium (1753.6 mg), magnesium (1814.4 mg), iron (233.4 mg), vitamin A (RE) (952.7 µg) and vitamin E (22.8) per 100 g when compared to the 1522.2 mg, 1297.9 mg, 179.7 mg, 857.6 µg, and 16.8 µg, respectively for the white malakwang leaves. The white malakwang leaf samples had higher (p&lt;0.05) quantities of flavonoids (25.7 %) and alkaloids (5.5) than the 20.7 % and 2.1 %, respectively for the red malakwang leaves. The red malakwang leaf extract had more mucilage and coumarin contents than the white malakwang leaves. The white and red leaf extracts scavenged 61.3% and 52.7% of DPPH radicals, respectively, which are similar to the 62.2% scavenged by vitamin C. Malakwang leaves could significantly contribute to dietary intake of crude fibre, essential oil, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A (RE), C and E and phytochemicals hence suggesting a correlation with the cultural health claims for improving breast milk production, appetite, immunity and healing of sores and wounds. Further studies on the evaluation of nutrients and phytochemicals in malakwang leaves are recommended to approve the results of this study. Experimental trials in humans could be performed to evidence the effect of malakwang leaves on breast milk production and healing of sores and wounds. Also, the determination of essential fatty acids and the effect of preparation and post-harvest methods are recommended for further studies. Key words: Nutritional, antioxidant activities, health benefits, indigenous, malakwang (Hibiscus) species

Use of a Novel Passive E-Nose to Monitor Fermentable Prebiotic Fiber Consumption

We developed a home-based electronic nose (E-Nose) to passively monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted following bowel movements and assessed its validity by correlating the output with prebiotic fiber intake. Healthy, non-overweight participants followed a three-week protocol which included the following: (1) installing the E-Nose in their bathroom; (2) activating the device following each bowel movement; (3) recording their dietary intake; (4) consuming a fiber bar (RiteCarbs) containing a blend of 10 g of prebiotic fiber daily during weeks two and three; and (5) submit stool specimens at the beginning and end of the study for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and analysis. Participants’ fecal microbiome displayed significantly increased relative abundance of putative total SCFA-producing genera (p = 0.0323) [total acetate-producing genera (p = 0.0214), total butyrate-producing genera (p = 0.0131)] and decreased Gram-negative proinflammatory genera (p = 0.0468). Prebiotic intervention significantly increased the participants’ fiber intake (p = 0.0152), E-Nose Min/Max (p = 0.0339), and area over the curve in VOC–to–fiber output (p = 0.0044). Increased fiber intake was negatively associated (R2 = 0.53, p = 0.026) with decreased relative abundance of putative Gram-negative proinflammatory genera. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that a prototype E-Nose can noninvasively detect a direct connection between fiber intake and VOC outputs in a home-based environment.

Effects of Vegetable and Fruit Juicing on Gut and Oral Microbiome Composition

Background: In recent years, juicing has often been promoted as a convenient way to increase fruit and vegetable intake, with juice-only diets marketed for digestive cleansing and overall health improvement. However, juicing removes most insoluble fiber, which may diminish the health benefits of whole fruits and vegetables. Lower fiber intake can alter the microbiota, affecting metabolism, immunity, and mental health, though little is known about juicing’s specific effects on the microbiota. This study addresses this gap by exploring how juicing impacts gut and oral microbiome composition in an intervention study. Methods: Fourteen participants followed one of three diets—exclusive juice, juice plus food, or plant-based food—for three days. Microbiota samples (stool, saliva, and inner cheek swabs) were collected at baseline, after a pre-intervention elimination diet, immediately after juice intervention, and 14 days after intervention. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to analyze microbiota taxonomic composition. Results: The saliva microbiome differed significantly in response to the elimination diet (unweighted UniFrac: F = 1.72, R = 0.06, p &lt; 0.005; weighted UniFrac: F = 7.62, R = 0.23, p-value = 0.0025) with a significant reduction in Firmicutes (p = 0.004) and a significant increase in Proteobacteria (p = 0.005). The juice intervention diets were also associated with changes in the saliva and cheek microbiota, particularly in the relative abundances of pro-inflammatory bacterial families, potentially due to the high sugar and low fiber intake of the juice-related products. Although no significant shifts in overall gut microbiota composition were observed, with either the elimination diet or the juice intervention diets, bacterial taxa associated with gut permeability, inflammation, and cognitive decline increased in relative abundance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-term juice consumption may negatively affect the microbiota.