Food Nutrient Research Articles

Regio-specific lipid fingerprinting of edible sea cucumbers using LC/MS

Sea cucumbers are a rich source of bioactive compounds and are gaining popularity as nutrient-rich seafood. They are consumed as a whole organism in Pacific regions. However, limited data are available on the comparison of their lipid composition and nutritional value. In this study, untargeted liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was applied to comprehensively profile lipids in the skin, meat, and intestinal contents of three color-distinct edible sea cucumbers. Multivariate principal component analysis revealed that the lipid composition of the intestinal contents of red, black, and blue sea cucumbers differs from that of skin, and meats. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are abundant in the intestinal contents, followed by meats of sea cucumber. Lipid nutritional quality assessments based on fatty acid composition revealed a high P:S ratio, low index of atherogenicity, and high health promotion indices for the intestinal contents of red sea cucumber, suggesting its potential health benefits. In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the intestinal contents of sea cucumbers were relatively high in PUFA-enriched phospholipids and lysophospholipids. Ceramides are abundant in black skin, blue meat, and red intestinal content samples. Overall, this study provides the first insights into a comprehensive regio-specific profile of the lipid content of sea cucumbers and their potential use as a source of lipid nutrients in food and nutraceuticals.

The importance of host physical niches for the stability of gut microbiome composition.

Gut bacteria are prevalent throughout the Metazoa and form complex microbial communities associated with food breakdown, nutrient provision and disease prevention. How hosts acquire and maintain a consistent bacterial flora remains mysterious even in the best-studied animals, including humans, mice, fishes, squid, bugs, worms and flies. This essay visits the evidence that hosts have co-evolved relationships with specific bacteria and that some of these relationships are supported by specialized physical niches that select, sequester and maintain microbial symbionts. Genetics approaches could uncover the mechanisms for recruiting and maintaining the stable and consistent members of the microbiome. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sculpting the microbiome: how host factors determine and respond to microbial colonization'.

Foodomics: futuristic omic strategies to assess the impact of food nutrients on human health and gut microbiome

SummaryFoodomics is an omic technique that integrates with the study of food and nutrition. The technique delves into the composition, functions, and expression outcomes of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, shedding light on how nutrients influence gene and protein expression. It enables the understanding of cellular processes, functional mechanisms, and molecules involved and identifies targets for bioactive compounds desirable for nutritional intervention strategies. It also facilitates the discovery of biomarkers that elucidate the bioactivities of various food components, offering insights into their implications for individual well‐being. Furthermore, due to the molecular interplay between food and gut microbiome, this technique offered a comprehensive understanding of nutritional dynamics and the role of nutrients in maintaining optimal health. Hence, the article highlights the recent research that deciphers the bioactive activities of various food components, shedding insight on their consequences for individual well‐being and intricating the balance of the gut microbiota using this omic technique.

Associations of Dietary Factors with Cutaneous Melanoma: A Case-Control Study in Greece with Literature Review

Introduction: It has been postulated that nutrition may influence the risk for cutaneous melanoma (CM); therefore, we aimed to assess the associations of food groups and individual nutrient intakes with CM in a Greek population. Methods: In this case-control study, 151 patients with histologically confirmed CM, newly diagnosed and treated in the Oncology Department of the “Laikon” University Hospital (Athens, Greece), and 151 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals residing in the Athens metropolitan area, recruited among participants for routine health examinations, were included. All participants completed a questionnaire comprising anthropometric measurements, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related variables. A validated, semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess average consumption of 136 food items during the 12 months preceding the onset of disease. Multivariate conditional regression models were used to derive odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) regarding the association of nine food groups and seven macronutrients with CM. Results: Statistically significant positive associations with CM were found with higher energy intake (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.22–2.30) and intake of saturated fatty acids (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.00–5.28), after adjusting for sun sensitivity, major depression history, and alcohol intake. Inverse associations with higher intake of milk and dairy products (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48–0.88), fruits (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51–0.90), added lipids (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47–0.91), and sugars and syrups (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53–0.93) were also observed. Conclusions: Beyond intrinsic risk factors, our results support associations of CM with multiple food groups and nutrients; if confirmed by prospective studies, these findings can add further knowledge about this fatal cancer.

The dynamics in food selection stemming from price awareness and perceived income adequacy: a cross-sectional study using 1-year loyalty card data

BackgroundHigher cost of healthy foods may explain unhealthy dietary patterns in lower-income households. Unfortunately, combining food selection and nutrient intake data to price and expenditure is challenging. Food retailer’s customer loyalty card data, linked to nutrient composition database, is a novel method for simultaneous exploration of food purchases, price, and nutrition. ObjectivesWe studied the associations between perceived income adequacy (PIA) as a grouping variable with price (per kilogram or megajoule) and the volume of purchases (percentage of expenditure or energy) simultaneously as outcome variables for 17 most purchased food groups. MethodsWe used 1-year (2018) loyalty card data from the largest grocery chain in Finland. Participants were 28,783 loyalty cardholders who made ≥41% of food purchases from the retailer and answered an online questionnaire at the midpoint of data collection. The 5-level PIA described the perceived financial situation in the household. Energy and nutrient content of foods purchased were from the Finnish Food Composition Database Fineli. We calculated the Nutrient Rich Food Index per 100 g food using 11 nutrients. Trends in prices and expenditures between PIA levels were analyzed using 2-sided Jonckheere–Terpstra tests, with false discovery rate control (Benjamini–Hochberg method) and confounder adjustments (inverse probability weighting). ResultsLower PIA participants selected cheaper foods per kilogram and megajoule within most food groups. They also favored unhealthy food groups cheap in energy [<1 € (USD 1.18)/MJ]. Despite lower purchase price, the expenditure (%) among lower PIA was higher on alcohol, snacks, sugar-sweetened beverages, and sweets and chocolates. ConclusionsParticipants with lower PIA showed stronger price awareness. It is crucial to consider the pricing of competing alternative food groups, when steering toward environmentally sustainable and healthier food purchases. Package labeling might also direct the selection of healthier choices among the less expensive items within a food group.

Associations between nutritional deficiencies and food insecurity among adolescent girls: A cross-sectional study.

There is a research gap in understanding the relationship between nutrient deficiency and food insecurity among adolescent girls in Afghanistan. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between nutrient deficiencies and food insecurity among middle and high school-aged girls in Kabul. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 380 randomly selected 11-18-year-old girls attending public schools in grades 6-12. We assessed girls' food insecurity, food and nutrient intake, socioeconomic status, and physical activity. Nutrient consumption was calculated using Nutritionist IV software. Statistical analyses, including one-way analysis of variance, Chi-square tests, and t-tests, were used to assess the association between dietary intake and food insecurity. More than half (52.9%) of the participants were food insecure, with 35.8% experiencing hunger and 17.1% without hunger. Vitamin B3, C, selenium, and iron had the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy and were the best indicators of food insecurity with and without hunger. The most prevalent nutrient deficiencies were vitamin B9 and E, calcium, magnesium, and zinc inadequacies. Food security was positively associated with fruit, vitamins E and K, dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt, and cheese), meat products (e.g., chicken, meat, red meat, and egg), and nut intake. Our findings suggest that adolescent girls in Kabul may benefit from food programs that enrich nutrients such as B9 and E, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which were found to be the most prevalent nutrient deficiencies. These findings highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity and nutrient deficiencies among adolescent girls in Afghanistan.

Contribution of Infant Food Pouches and Other Commercial Infant Foods to the Diets of Infants: A Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundAlthough considerable concern has been expressed about the nutritional implications of infant food pouches, how they impact infant diet has not been examined. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the contribution of infant food pouches specifically, and commercial infant foods generally, to nutrient intake from complementary foods in infants. MethodsTwo multiple-pass 24-h diet recall data were collected from 645 infants (6.0–11.9 mo) in the First Foods and Young Foods New Zealand studies. Detailed information was obtained on commercial infant food use, including pouches, and nutrient composition was calculated through recipe modeling. ResultsThe diverse sample (46.1% female; 21.1% Māori, 14.1% Asian, and 54.6% European) was aged (SD) 8.4 (0.9) mo. More than one-quarter of households had high socioeconomic deprivation. Almost half (45.3%) of infants consumed an infant food pouch on ≥1 recall day [mean (SD), 1.3 (0.9) times/d], obtaining 218 (124) kJ of energy on each eating occasion. Comparable numbers for all commercial infant and toddler foods (CITFs) were 78.0%, contributing 2.2 (1.6) and 140 (118) kJ of energy. Infant food pouches provided 25.5% of the total energy from complementary foods in those infants who consumed pouches on the recall days but just 11% in all infants. Median percentage contribution of infant food pouches to nutrient intake from complementary foods in consumers ranged from <1% (added sugars and retinol) to >30% (carbohydrate, total sugars, fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C). CITF contributed 21.4% of energy from complementary foods for infant consumers, with median percentage contribution ranging from 0.1% (retinol) to 40.3% (iron). ConclusionsInfant food pouches make relatively small contributions to energy intake in infants but are important sources of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and B-6. Almost half of the total sugars consumed from complementary foods is provided by these pouches.This trial was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12620000459921.

Edible indigenous fruit trees and shrubs in Tigray, Ethiopia

Edible indigenous fruit trees and shrubs (IFTS) serve as crucial sources of supplementary food and essential nutrients, income/cash, traditional medicine, and various other uses for local communities in Tigray, Ethiopia. However, there is limited documentation on IFTS contributions, production potential, and nutritional compositions. The primary aim of this study was to analyse the production potential, nutritional compositions, and overall contributions of IFTS to rural households. Data were gathered through structured and semi-structured questionnaires from 55 key informants, 15 vendors, and 30 consumers. Nutrient analyses were conducted using triplicate samples following the basic procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. This study has identified and documented 44 IFTS species. These edible fruits from trees and shrubs are available throughout the year, with peak seasons varying across agroecological zones. Specifically, the lowland, midland, and highland experienced peak fruit availability in November, May, and June, respectively. Fruit yields exhibited significant variation among agroecological zones (P = 0.001), and among growth stages (P < 0.001) within each agroecological zone. Further laboratory analysis revealed that edible IFTS are rich in carbohydrates, crude fiber, crude protein, crude fat, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents. These nutritional attributes underline the importance of integrating indigenous fruits into the diets of rural and urban households. In conclusion, this research highlights the significant roles played by edible IFTS in the livelihoods of rural households in Tigray, Ethiopia. It also suggests the need for their recognition, conservation, domestication and restoration to enhance food security, income generation, climate adaptation and overall well-being in these communities and beyond.

A systematic study on the chemical model of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons formation from nutrients (glucose, amino acids, fatty acids) in food

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), prominent carcinogens formed during food processing, pose health risks through long-term consumption. This study focuses on 16 priority PAHs in the European Union, investigating their formation during pyrolysis. Glucose, amino acids and fatty acids are important food nutrients. To further explore whether these nutrients in food form PAHs during heating, a single chemical model method was used to heat these nutrients respectively, and GC–MS/MS was used to identify and quantify the obtained components. Glucose is the most basic nutrient in food, so the influence of water, pH, temperature and other factors on the formation of PAHs was studied in the glucose model. At the same time, the models of amino acids and fatty acids were used to assist in improving the entire nutrient research system. According to our results, some previously reported mechanisms of PAHs formation by fatty acids heating were confirmed. In addition, glucose and amino acids could also produce many PAHs after heating, and some conclusions were improved by comparing the intermediates of PAHs from three types of nutrients.

Impact of Environmental Food Intake on the Gut Microbiota of Endangered Père David's Deer: Primary Evidence for Population Reintroduction.

Reintroduction has been successful in re-establishing several endangered wild animals in their historical habitats, including Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus). Continuous monitoring of reintroduced individuals is essential for improving the sustainability of ex situ conservation efforts. Despite an increased recognition of the significance of the gut microbiome for animal health, the correlation between diet and the gut microbiome in E. davidianus is unclear. In this study, 15 fresh fecal samples of E. davidianus were collected from Tianjin Qilihai Wetland and the association between dietary and gut microbiota composition was evaluated. Microscopic observations showed that Nymphoides peltata [relative density (RD = 0.3514), Phragmites australis (RD = 0.2662), Setaria viridis (RD = 0.1211), and Typha orientalis (RD = 0.1085) were the main dietary plants in the fecal samples. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing showed a predominance of the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria and the genus Psychrobacillus (26.53%) in the gut microbiota. The RD of N. peltata was significantly positively correlated with the abundance of Firmicutes (p = 0.005) and the genus UCG-005 (p = 0.024). This study indicates a close association between food digestion and nutrient intake, providing basic monitoring data for the full reintroduction and recovery of wild E. davidianus.

Validity of food and nutrient intakes assessed by a food frequency questionnaire among Chinese adults

BackgroundStudies regarding the validity of the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the food composition table (FCT) are limited in Asian countries. We aimed to evaluate the validity of a 64-item FFQ and different methods of constructing the FFQ FCTs for assessing dietary intakes of foods and nutrients among adults in eastern China.MethodsA total of 2325 participants (aged 56.2 ± 14.9 years, 51.6% female) from nine cities in Zhejiang province who completed a 64-item FFQ and 3-day 24-hour dietary recalls (24HRs) in 2015 were included. Eight FFQ FCTs were generated covering food items and specific weights estimated using professional knowledge, representative 24HRs data, or the Chinese FCT (CFCT). Energy-adjusted intakes of foods and nutrients were estimated by residual and energy density methods. Spearman correlation coefficients (SCCs) of intakes of 14 food groups and 17 nutrients between FFQ and 24HRs were calculated to evaluate the overall validity of FFQ.ResultsThe average intakes of most food groups and nutrients assessed with FFQ were higher than those assessed using the 24HRs. For the food groups, the averaged energy-adjusted (residual method) SCC between FFQ and 24HRs was 0.27, ranging from 0.14 (starch-rich beans) to 0.49 (aquatic products). For nutrient assessment, the weighted FCT (WFCT) performs the best, and the averaged energy-adjusted (residual method) SCC was 0.26, ranging from 0.16 (iron) to 0.37 (potassium). Similar correlations with 24HRs were observed when using other FFQ FCT in the calculation of nutrient intakes.ConclusionThe 64-item Chinese FFQ and the WFCT were reasonably valid to assess the dietary intakes of certain foods and nutrients among adults in eastern China.

Impact of Food Nutrient in the IBD Management and Prevention

Impact of Food Nutrient in the IBD Management and Prevention

The difference in leaves production, protein and calcium of Moringa oleifera under modification planting media, application of PGR and nitrogen

Moringa has many ingredients of nutrients that are beneficial for food sources and nutrients that have not been widely cultivated. The nutritional content, benefits and high demand for Moringa abroad will open large opportunities for exporting Moringa flour. Foods full of nutrition will support the maintenance of good public health. For this reason, it is necessary to study and research cultivation techniques that produce high Moringa leaves and can be available sustainably. Production of Moringa leaves as a source of secondary metabolites can be increased by modifying the planting media and applying Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) and Nitrogen. The study used Split Split Plot Design with the main plot immersion by PGR, consisting of 3 types, namely: G1 (Fresh water), G2 (Coconut water), and G3 (GA3). The subplot was the treatment of planting media with two types: M₁ (soil: sand: manure = 1:1:2); M₂ (soil: sand: manure = 1:2:1). The sub subplots were N (urea) fertilizer, with four levels: N0 (0 g/plant); N1 (5 g/plant); N₂ (10 g/plant); and N₃ (15 g/plant). Each treatment combination goes over three times. The agronomic parameters observed were plant height, the number of leaves, fresh crop weight, and root volume, and the biochemical parameters observed were chlorophyll, protein, and calcium levels. The composition of the planting media caused significant differences in plant height at 4, 6, and 10 weeks after planting (WAP), the number of leaves at 4 WAP, and root length at 10 WAP. Growth Regulators significantly affected plant height at 4, 6, and 10 WAP, the number of leaves at 4 WAP, and root length at harvest. Nitrogen fertilization caused significant differences in plant height at 4, 6, and 10 WAP, volume, and root length at harvest (10 WAP). The combination of Planting media, PGR, and Nitrogen treatments caused significant differences in plant height at 4, 6, and 10 WAP and the number of leaves at 6 WAP. Laboratory analysis in this study showed high calcium and protein in Moringa leaves.

Comparative Study of the Nutritional, Phytochemical, Sensory Characteristics and Glycemic Response of Cookies Enriched with Lupin Sprout Flour and Lupin Green Sprout.

This study aimed to compare the nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory characteristics of wheat flour (WF) cookies enriched with different proportions of lupin sprout flour (LSF) and those with different proportions of lupin green sprout (LGS). To achieve this, a control cookie (CC); three cookies with 10%, 20%, and 30% of LSF, respectively, CLSF1, CLSF2, and CLSF3; and three other cookies (CLGS1, CLGS2, and CLGS3) with 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, were produced. The proximate composition of each cookie was analyzed using AOAC methods. Also, the measurements of the total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, individual polyphenols, glycemic index, and a sensory analysis were carried out using recent and accurate methods. The contribution of the main nutrients from 100 g of product to the required daily dose was also calculated. Data analysis revealed that cookies with LSF were richer than cookies with LGS in protein, fat, and energy values. CLGS3 was 35.12%, 1.45%, and 5.0% lower in protein, fat, and energy content than CLSF3, respectively. On the other hand, CLSF3 was lower than CLGS3, with 48.2% and 12.4% in moisture and mineral substances, respectively. Both cookies were lower in carbohydrates than the CC (65.20 g/100 g). Still on the subject of micro- and macronutrients, cookies with LSF were richer than those with LGS in all the minerals analyzed. The study also revealed improvements in phytochemical properties, such as total and individual polyphenols and antioxidant activity with the percentage of lupin sprout flour addition. The sensory analysis revealed that, for LSF and LGS cookies, the 10% samples were the most appreciated by consumers, irrespective of the sensory attributes studied. The glycemic index of the CLSF2 product was lower compared to the CC. This study shows that the LSF cookies have better nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory values than the LGS cookies. LSF is, therefore, better suited than LGS to the enrichment of bakery products in general and cookies in particular. The paper provides significant information to estimate the contribution of the consumption of functional products based on lupin sprouts to the required daily dose of food nutrients and the impact on the glycemic index of fortified products.

REVIEW: REVIEW ARTICLE LIPID-BASED NANOTECHNOLOGY

Nanotechnology is defined as engineering the creation of materials, functions, and devices on the nanometer scale. Nanoscience is increasingly developing and becoming a part of various fields, such as electronics, materials, and biology. Lipid nanoparticles are a major application in nanotechnology. In formulas II and III, smaller results were obtained compared with the other formulas. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the nanostructured lipid carrier system with solid lipid poloxamer and stearic acid with liquid soybean oil lipids obtained good characteristics, and each test met the range. From the explanation above, it can be concluded that lipid-based nanotechnology has great potential in various fields such as medicine, cosmetics, and agriculture. Its use can provide great benefits such as increasing the effectiveness of drug administration, increasing the absorption of nutrients in food, and developing cosmetic products. which one is safer and more effective. To compare several types of nanoparticle methods, such as Liposomes, Neosomes, Etosomes, SLN, and NLC for selection of the lipid base, namely NLC. It is important to ensure that the use and development of this technology are safe and beneficial for humans and the environment. Keywords : Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles, Lipid-Based Nanoparticles

Breakfast quality and its sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates among Italian children, adolescents, and adults from the Italian Nutrition & HEalth Survey (INHES) study

BackgroundBreakfast quality, together with regularity of breakfast, has been suggested to be associated with cardiometabolic health advantages. We aimed to evaluate the quality of breakfast and its socioeconomic and psychosocial correlates in a large sample of the Italian population.MethodsCross-sectional analyses on 7,673 adult and 505 children/adolescent regular breakfast eaters from the Italian Nutrition & Health Survey (INHES; 2010-2013). Dietary data were collected through a single 24-h dietary recall. Breakfast quality was assessed through the Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) combining intake of ten food groups, energy, and nutrients of public health concern, and potentially ranging from 0 to 10. The association of sociodemographic and psychosocial factors with BQI were analyzed by multivariable-adjusted linear regression models.ResultsThe average BQI was 4.65 (SD ± 1.13) and 4.97 (SD ± 1.00) in adults and children/adolescents, respectively. Amongst adults, older age (β = 0.19; 95%CI 0.06 to 0.31 for > 65 vs. 20–40 years) and having a high educational level (β = 0.13; 0.03 to 0.23; for postsecondary vs. up to elementary) were independent predictors of better breakfast quality, while men reported lower BQI (β = -0.08; -0.14 to -0.02 vs. women). Perceived stress levels at home and work and financial stress were inversely associated with BQI. Children/adolescents living in Central and Southern Italian regions had lower BQI compared to residents in Northern Italy (β = -0.55; -0.91 to -0.19 and β = -0.24; -0.47 to -0.01, respectively).ConclusionsIn adults, breakfast quality was associated with age, sex, and educational level. Perceived stress levels were inversely associated with the quality of breakfast. In children/adolescents, a north-south gradient in breakfast quality was observed.

Nutrigenomics: A new approach to the diagnosis and prevention of diseases

An expanding understanding of the ability to alter meals or dietary to enhance health and lower the probability of nutrition-related conditions is what has sparked interest in nutrigenomics. It is a newly developed field which incorporates the areas of bioinformatics, diet, molecular biology, the study of genomes epidemiology, and molecular medicine to reveal the effects of diet on gene activity. More research in this area requires immediate attention to assist people recognize the connection between nutrition and well-being and to make sure all individuals receive advantages from the genomic change. As people's eating behaviors and daily routines change, they turn more vulnerable to diet-related disorders. The implementation of high quantities genomics technologies in studies on nutrition is known as nutrigenomics. If executed correctly, it will advance knowledge of how nutrition affects the processes of metabolism and homeostatic management, how this restriction is hampered in the initial stages of diet-related disorders, and the point to which specific sensitizing genotypes are responsible for such diseases. Nutrigenomics will eventually enable successful dietary approaches to restore homeostasis and eliminate diet-related illnesses. It is possible to think of nutritional genomics, also known as nutrigenomics, as the intersection of molecular nourishment and genome. The expression of genes profiles (transcriptome), chromatin design (epigenome), expression of proteins patterns, including posttranslational modifications (proteome), and metabolite profiles (metabolome) are only a few of the many tissue- and organ-specific effects of bioactive nutrients.The term "Nutrigenomics" was coined to signify the scientific investigation of this gene-nutrient interplay. Therefore, nutrigenomics refers to the application of the field of biochemistry physiology, dietary intake, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics to identify and understand the molecular basis of the current reciprocal relationships among genes and nutrients.Nutritional genomics, also known as nutrigenomics, is a research field of gene-nutrient relationships and how they are utilized. By changing the way genes are expressed and/or arrangement of someone's genetic code, ordinary food nutrients might alter the ratio across well-being and illness. This genetic insight can be obtained by nutritional genomics. The study of nutrigenetics looks at the associations between a person's gene makeup and particular nutritional intake. This subfield examines how genetic variability affects dietary guidelines or the relationship between diet and disease. Though they have different short-term goals, dietary research's long-term mission is to enhance people's health and aid in illness prevention. Gene-specific dietary data has provided a wealth of information that has helped doctors develop therapeutic strategies for the medical management of complex chronic diseases. The aforementioned data can be used in the future to a vast community; however, practicality needs to be verified. An understanding of nutrigenomics should soon enable more specialized therapies.

Functional Food Knowledge Among College Students

The Knowledge of potential health benefits is always associated with consuming functional foods. The Knowledge includes understanding how certain compounds or nutrients in functional foods may positively impact physiological functions, contribute to disease prevention, and support overall well-being. This study investigates the level of Knowledge regarding functional foods among college students and explores factors influencing their awareness and dietary choices. A diverse sample of college students from various disciplines participated in a survey to assess their understanding of functional foods, including their definitions, health benefits, and sources. Findings indicate a fair and moderate level of Knowledge of functional foods, with variations based on age and gender factors. The study is descriptive in nature and based on the survey method. A hundred college students from the Madurai District colleges were randomly selected to measure their functional food knowledge. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information from the students. The collected data were coded, analysed and presented in frequency tables using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS package v.26.Social media. Educational interventions emerged as influential sources shaping students’ awareness and dietary behaviours. The study found that ninety-eight per cent of the students regularly included fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. The study found that college students possess a fair to moderate level of knowledge regarding functional foods, and gender and age strongly correlate with their knowledge of available food. The study recommended that there are opportunities for further research to explore the effectiveness of various educational interventions, assess the long-term impact of improved Knowledge on dietary behaviours, and understand the influence of peer networks on the adoption of functional foods among college students.

An In Silico In Vitro and In Vivo Study on the Influence of an Eggplant Fruit (Solanum anguivi Lam) Diet on Metabolic Dysfunction in the Sucrose-Induced Diabetic-like Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster).

Introduction: Africa faces immense food and health insecurity challenges, a problem partly attributed to food loss and waste during postharvest handling and distribution. In the context of research to meet the sustainable development goals, this project specifically addressed the postharvest loss of the ripe indigenous eggplant (Solanum anguivi lam) fruit called "Igba Yinrin" by Yoruba in South-West Nigeria, which is usually discarded in farms. The study was carried out on ripe and unripe fruits to better understand their value by comparing their effects in diabetes treatment. Methods: The study sought to assess the effects of a diet including ripe or unripe mature eggplant fruits in the sucrose-induced diabetic-like fruit fly. Bioactive compounds were identified and quantified with HPLC-UV, while the antioxidant vitamin (A, C, E), carotenoid, and mineral (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, and Zn) content was analyzed in the fruits. Extracts were used to investigate their in vitro anti-inflammatory properties on cyclooxygenases (COX 1 and 2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and anti-diabetes enzymes [α-amylase and α-glucosidase], while extract-supplemented diets (0.25-1% concentration) were fed to the fruit flies for 14 days. Results: Interestingly, the results showed that the ripe fruits had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher total phenol and flavonoid content, as well as a higher content of vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals, than the unripe fruits. The in vivo activities of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione transferase (GST)] and the total thiol level increased, while the blood glucose, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). An in silico docking analysis showed strong binding affinity of the above-mentioned enzymes under investigation with the ligands hesperidin, naringin, and myricetin, which are bioactive compounds contained in the examined extracts. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the biological effects of the ripe and unripe fruit extracts on inflammatory and anti-diabetes enzyme activities, which means that the ripe fruit, usually discarded, could serve as a sustainable alternative source of food nutrients.

Impacts of Habit Formation Effect on Food Consumption and Nutrient Intake in Rural China.

This study employs panel data and a dynamic Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model to investigate the habit formation effect of food consumption among Chinese rural residents and its consequential impact on nutritional intake. The dataset, spanning from 2012 to 2018, encompasses nine provinces in China and involves 5390 rural households. The findings reveal that, excluding beef, mutton, and poultry, there are significant habit formation effect on the consumption of food categories, notably grains, vegetables, and edible oils. Lower-income and younger demographics demonstrate a more pronounced reliance on established dietary habits. Influenced by the habit formation effect, there is a substantial reduction in the income elasticity differences across various food types. Overlooking the habit formation effect in food consumption would lead to an underestimation of the income elasticity of energy, fat, and carbohydrates. This suggests that, over the long term, food consumption habit formation is a pivotal factor in enabling the enhancement of residents' dietary structures, amplifying the incremental energy intake associated with income increases, and accelerating the transition towards nutritional surplus. The conclusions drawn from this study offer valuable insights for ensuring food security and nutritional balance. Policy-makers of food and nutrition strategies should duly consider the habit formation effect on residents' food consumption, and seek to optimize dietary patterns and promote nutritional transformation by food consumption habit intervention.