High Nutrient Density Research Articles

Low energy density, high nutrient adequacy and high nutrient density are each associated with higher diet costs in Chinese adults from Henan Province

ObjectivesFood price is a determining factor in food choice which affect diet quality accordingly. However, the association between food price and diet quality has not been thoroughly discussed among Chinese adults. This study aimed to analyze the association of daily energy-adjusted dietary costs (CNY/2000 kcal) and diet quality among Chinese adults.MethodsA total of 680 Chinese adults aged above 25 years from Henan province were investigated in 2020. Three indices were adopted for evaluating diet quality: the nutrient-rich foods 9.2 (NRF 9.2) index for evaluating nutrient density, the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) for evaluating nutrient adequacy, energy density (ED) based on solid foods only for evaluating energy density. The daily energy-adjusted diet cost was calculated by dividing the estimated daily diet costs (CNY/day) by the energy intake per day (kcal/day) and multiplying the result by 2000.ResultsSubjects who closely adhered to the NRF9.2, MAR, and ED paid ¥8.92, ¥13.17, and ¥14.34 more for daily food consumption, respectively, than those who weakly adhered to these dietary patterns did. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis adjusted covariance revealed that an increase in ¥1 of the energy-adjusted diet cost per day was associated with changes of 0.494 units (P < 0.001), 0.003 units (P < 0.001), and − 0.018 units (P < 0.001) in the NRF9.2, MAR, and ED, respectively.ConclusionHigher energy-adjusted diet cost was associated with higher quality diets. This might be important for public health policies to develop strategies to promote healthy diets by regulating food supply and its costs.

Impact of ultra-processed food consumption during pregnancy on maternal and child health outcomes: A comprehensive narrative review of the past five years.

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are increasingly prevalent in modern diets and are associated with negative health outcomes such as chronic diseases due to their high processing and low nutrient density. Despite the potential impact of UPF intake during pregnancy on maternal and child health, studies in this area are limited. Therefore, this narrative comprehensive review aimed to identify associations between UPF consumption, categorized by the NOVA system, during pregnancy and maternal and child health outcomes over the past five years (2019-2024). Following PRISMA-ScR criteria (2018), MedLine/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched for articles on maternal and child health outcomes associated with UPF consumption categorized by the NOVA system during pregnancy, out of 767 studies identified, 22 were eligible. Overall, high UPF consumption during pregnancy was positively associated with various adverse maternal-child outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational weight gain, poor glycemic control, negative nutrition biomarkers, inflammatory markers, and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. It also negatively impacted child growth and development, and was associated with adiposity gain, potential adverse mental disorders, indicators of poor nutrition, and poor overall diet quality. Despite the limited data, high consumption of UPF during pregnancy adversely affected the health outcomes of both mothers and children, impacting nutrition indicators and diet quality. Further studies on this topic are needed. Promoting healthy eating habits among pregnant women is crucial for achieving optimal health outcomes.

Addition of xylanase to high and low nutrient density diets on nutrient digestibility and palatability, fecal characteristics, fermentation products and intestinal permeability in dogs

Addition of xylanase to high and low nutrient density diets on nutrient digestibility and palatability, fecal characteristics, fermentation products and intestinal permeability in dogs

Impact of nutrient density diet with emulsifier supplementation on apparent total tract digestibility and ileal amino acid digestibility in broilers

Emulsifiers play a diverse role in the livestock industry. As a feed additive, it aids the digestion and absorption of added fat in feed to increase the productivity of broilers. The study aimed to investigate the effect of nutrient density levels and emulsifier supplementation on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) in broilers. A total of 60 14-days- old Ross broiler chickens were randomly allocated into 4 group with 5 replicates and 3 chicks per cage for 14 days (phase 1 days 1 to 7 and phase 2 days 8 to 14). ATTD and AID were evaluated on days 7 and 14 using indigestible indicator method. Dietary treatment included: TRT1, Low nutrient diet without emulsifier; TRT2, Low nutrient diet + 0.05% emulsifier; TRT3, High nutrient diet without emulsifier; TRT4, High nutrient diet + 0.05% emulsifier. Results showed that the nutrient density diets have no effect (P>0.05) on ATTD and AID of amino acids. However, ATTD of dry matter, nitrogen, gross energy (GE) and crude protein and essential amino acid of lysine, valine, tryptophan and total essential amino acid and non-essential amino acid of proline and alanine, AID of dry matter and GE and essential amino acid of histidine and tryptophan and non- essential amino acid of proline and alanine were significantly increase (P <0.05) in chickens fed the emulsifier compared with the nutrient density. Therefore, high nutrient density diets emulsifier supplementation had a beneficial effect on ATTD and AID of amino acids.

How to improve sustainability of nutrient dense diets for children and adolescents: an exemplary assessment in Germany

BackgroundThe global climate crisis requires a paradigm shift in dietary concepts, respecting the needs of children. A global reference diet has been suggested by the EAT-Lancet Commission. On this basis, the detailed “Planetary Health Diet Index” (PHDI) has been proposed. The objective of this assessment is (1) to apply the PHDI to the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, the so-called Optimized Mixed Diet (OMD) for children and adolescents in Germany in its original composition and (2) to check how the planetary value of the OMD could be improved by modifying food selection within meals while keeping the high nutrient densities of the guideline diet.MethodsThe PHDI specifies 16 food groups and their proportion of total daily energy intake. The PHDI of the original OMD was calculated by assigning the foods of the 7-day menu to the PHDI food groups in order to score them. In this way, it became apparent which food groups had the potential to improve the sustainability. The diet was then updated by either reducing or increasing individual foods from these food groups in the meals and deriving the resulting PHDI. The nutrient densities of the original and updated daily OMD were calculated.ResultsThe original diet obtained a PHDI score of 68.24 points, representing 45.5% of the theoretical maximum of 150 points. The following food groups achieved 9.9 to 10 out of 10 points: fruits, total vegetables, fish & seafood, vegetable oils, chicken (and substitutes). Conversely, food groups receiving a zero score included tubers & potatoes, dairy, red meat, animal fat, and added sugars. The updated diet resulted in increased consumption of ‘nuts & peanuts’, ‘legumes’, ‘green vegetables’, ‘whole grains’, and decreased consumption of ‘tubers & potatoes’ and ‘red meat’. Overall, the PHDI increased from 68.24 to 81.51 points with the updated OMD, reflecting a 13.27% increase compared to the original diet. The nutrient densities were not significantly affected, but even slightly increased for most nutrients.ConclusionsThe PHDI was applied to demonstrate how the sustainability of the guideline diet for children and adolescents in Germany could be improved through changes in individual food groups that can be easily implemented in practice while maintaining high nutrient densities and acceptability for children.Trial registrationNA.

Animal breeding and feeding tools may close human nutrition gaps

The last century has witnessed many innovations in agriculture and food technologies that have ensured the production of sufficient quantities of good hygienic food. Animal scientists have contributed substantially to efficient breeding and feeding practices by adapting animals for faster growth and improving feed efficiency and utilization. Breeding goals and feeding recommendations have been proposed with a primary focus on profitability to promote significant changes in the macronutrient content, i.e., animal body protein and fat reduction. However, improving the nutritional quality of meat was not included in the profit assessment. Increasing the lean meat fraction is consistent with the goal of public dietary guidelines for human nutrition proposed in 1980, emphasizing the importance of reducing the consumption of animal fat, particularly saturated fat. The application of breeding and feeding tools to modify and improve the fatty acid composition has been partly implemented in pigs and broiler chickens to supplement the dietary recommendations for humans. The health benefits of lean “red meat” have been questioned in recent years, with dietary guidelines and upper limits being introduced for human intake. Animal breeding indirectly reduces the total and heme iron (the redness generator) content in meat, due to covariation with priority breeding goals. Two micronutrients play important roles in the human diet and are derived largely from meat (selenium) and milk (iodine) if the amount provided and absorbed is sufficient and predictable. The iodine content can be highly dependent on the use of novel (more sustainable) feeds. The micronutrients discussed in this study (Fe, Se, I, and vitamin D) highlight opportunities for the utilization of breeding and feeding knowledge to adjust their levels to procure meat with a high nutrient density. The gaps in micronutrient levels in humans must be addressed by navigating within approved animal feeding levels. Animal scientists must recognize the nutritional impact of breeding and feeding and advertise them. In addition, human nutritionists must acknowledge the existing and potential changes in animal production to meet the dietary guidelines. Sustainable food production within the “One Health” concept can only be achieved through cooperation.

Gross to gourmet: A social media analysis of Naked Clams as a sustainable delicacy

AbstractAmidst a global food crisis, securing sustainable food sources is vital. Bivalves such as Naked Clams, historically known as shipworms, offer a promising solution due to their low environmental impact, high nutritional value, and rapid growth rates. Contrary to their image as pests, Naked Clams are the fastest growing bivalves and have various health benefits. Believed to be the world's first aquaculture species, cultivated by Aboriginal Australians 8000 years ago, they are a delicacy in Southeast Asia. Public perception of Naked Clams remains largely unexplored, hindered by their association as pests and worm‐like appearance. This study assesses the perception of Naked Clams through social media, analyzing 40 posts across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, with millions of views and likes. Analysis of nearly 8000 comments revealed that public perception was split, though generally more positive than negative. Concerns included appearance, potential religious dietary conflicts, and the risk of parasites, which can be addressed with educational campaigns. Importantly, 84% of commenters who tried Naked Clams reported liking them. Naked Clams are noted for their high protein content, nutrient density, and health benefits, and are enjoyed in diverse culinary forms, from traditional raw dishes, to battered calamari‐style street foods, to innovative recipes like Naked Clam ice cream. This study highlights the untapped potential of Naked Clams in global diets and calls for further exploration into moving Naked Clams from “gross to gourmet.”

Japanese Diet Indices and Nutrient Density in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis with NHANES Data.

Previous studies have shown that Japanese dietary patterns are associated with high nutrient density. However, these studies were limited to the Japanese population. We examined this association in the US population. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. We included 3138 people aged 20-79 years. Food and nutrient intake data were based on the 24 h recall method. Three Japanese diet indices were used: (1) Japanese Diet Index (JDI, based on 9 food items), (2) modified JDI (mJDI, based on 12 food items), and (3) weighted JDI (wJDI, selected and weighted from mJDI food items). The nutrient density (ND) score was calculated based on the Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated. The correlation coefficients with the ND score were 0.24 (p < 0.001) for the JDI and 0.38 (p < 0.001) for the mJDI. The correlation coefficient between the wJDI and ND score was 0.48 (p < 0.001). The three Japanese diet indices were correlated with the ND score in all racial groups (p < 0.001). Even among the US population, higher degrees of Japanese diet defined by the JDI or mJDI were associated with higher nutrient density.

"I Haven't Had Moose Meat in a Long Time": Exploring Urban Indigenous Perspectives on Traditional Foods in Saskatchewan.

This qualitative study investigates the perspectives of urban Indigenous individuals in Saskatchewan, Canada, regarding their consumption of traditional foods. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 participants across Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert, the research aimed to uncover the benefits, risks, and barriers associated with acquiring and consuming traditional foods. Participants emphasized the nutritional advantages of traditional foods, such as higher nutrient density and absence of industrial additives, which they linked to improved health outcomes and alignment with Indigenous biology. The study also highlighted the vital role of traditional foods in maintaining cultural identity and fostering community connections through practices of food sharing and intergenerational knowledge transfer. However, significant challenges were identified, including economic and physical barriers to access, environmental degradation, and regulatory issues that restrict the availability of traditional foods in urban settings. The findings suggest a complex landscape where cultural practices are both preserved and challenged within the urban environment. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how Indigenous populations navigate the preservation of their culinary heritage in the face of modern economic and environmental pressures, providing insights for policy and community-based interventions aimed at supporting Indigenous food sovereignty.

The relationship between community food environment around schools and student meal participation: the role of school CEP participation status

BackgroundDespite the many benefits of school meals, not all students participate. One reason students may not participate in school meals is because they instead purchase breakfast or lunch from food outlets located around schools that mostly carry unhealthy items. This study examined whether school participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows qualifying schools to serve free meals to all students, moderated the association between the community food environment around schools and student meal participation.MethodsThis study employed a longitudinal repeated-measures design using school-level data collected between 2014 and 2020 within four low-income school districts (n = 126 schools) in the US. We obtained meal participation data from state records and created a measure characterizing the community food environment within 0.25 miles of schools (characterized as low-density of unhealthy food outlets vs. high-density of unhealthy food outlets) through a latent class analysis. Regression analysis estimated associations between community food environments, CEP participation, and participation rates in school breakfast and school lunch, assessed in separate models.ResultsWhile no moderating effect of school CEP status was observed for breakfast or lunch participation, school breakfast participation was predicted to be 4% lower in high-density food environments than in low-density environments (P-value = .049) among non-CEP schools, and there was no difference in participation by the community food environment among CEP-participating schools. Differences in breakfast participation by the community food environment among non-CEP schools were mostly attributable to middle/high schools, with participation predicted to be 10% lower in high-density environments than in low-density environments among non-CEP middle/high schools (P-value < .001), whereas such a difference in participation was not observed among non-CEP elementary schools.ConclusionsNegative associations between food environment around schools and school breakfast participation were observed only among middle and high schools not participating in CEP, suggesting that policy actions to increase access to free school meals may benefit students, particularly older children and adolescents.

Innovations in Breakfast Cereal Incorporating Fruits and Vegetables: Enhancing Nutritional Profile and Sensory Characteristics: A Review

Consuming breakfast is essential as it provides energy for the upcoming day and facilitates the intake of vital nutrients. Studies indicate that individuals who have breakfast typically maintain healthier dietary patterns. Breakfast cereal consumption is related to diets high in vitamins and minerals and low in fat. Still, it is not associated with increased intakes of total energy or sodium or the risk of dental caries. Dietary guidelines emphasize the significance of breakfast cereals, particularly those rich in whole grains or cereal fiber, due to their high nutrient density, making them a valuable source of essential nutrients. Although many studies are cross-sectional, with few intervention trials, breakfast cereal consumption could indicate a holistic, healthy lifestyle. This paper aims to offer a concise overview of various breakfast cereals infused with fruits and vegetables, highlighting their nutritional value, texture, shelf life, and sensory attributes. It demonstrates the potential of incorporating fruits and vegetables to develop nutrient-rich breakfast cereals.

Nutritional and bioactive potentials of a powder and a decoction made from Ceylon cinnamon bark, Laurus nobilis leaves, and Curcuma longa Linn rhizome

The blends of Ceylon cinnamon bark (F1), Laurus nobilis leave (F2), and Curcuma longa rhizome (F3) powders are recommended by therapists, as are their decoction, for fighting chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and bioactive potential of a powder blend made from those three plant food matrices and the form of consumption with the most beneficial antioxidant potential. Ceylon cinnamon dry bark, Laurus nobilis fresh leaves, and Curcuma longa fresh rhizome were purchased and processed directly into powders. A substitution plan of Cinnamon powder involving three powder blends (F4, F5, F6) and a decoction marketed had been retained. The proximate composition, nutrient density, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of the powder blends and decoction (bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity) were determined. F1 powder, presents the best characteristics in terms of protein content, nutrient density, and bioactive compounds. The powder blend F6, composed of 50 % Ceylon cinnamon bark, 30 % Laurus nobilis leaves and 20 % Curcuma longa rhizome, had higher contents of total protein (14.85 ± 0.37 g/100 g DM), crude fiber (32. 49 ± 0.90 g/100 g DM), total polyphenols (268.50 ± 2.00 mg GAE/g DM), total flavonoids (55.09 ± 1.01 mg QE/g DM), and a higher nutrient density in iron (1.03 mg/100 Kcal) and zinc (1.61 mg/100 Kcal). The decoction obtained from the F6 powder blend after 5 min of boiling, had high soluble bioactive compounds contents: polyphenol (24.5 ± 1.07 mg GAE/g DM), flavonoids (0.25 ± 0.01 mg QE/g DM), and condensed tannins (0.09 ± 0.00 mg CE/g DM). An antioxidant activity whose main basic mechanism is the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+, higher (74.94 % close to vitamin C) than that of the blend itself (65.20 % close to vitamin C). The decoction derived from the boiling of the F6 powder blend represents its most advantageous form of consumption.

Co-existence of potentially sustainable indigenous food systems and poor nutritional status in Ho indigenous community, India: an exploratory study

Indigenous food (IF) systems comprise culturally important foods derived from natural resources with shorter farm to plate chains, as compared to modern counterparts. These food systems are at epicenter of sustainable food systems with potential to alleviate malnutrition and protect ecosystems. The Ho indigenous community of Jharkhand have access to diverse IFs, yet experience malnutrition. A sequential mixed-method study was conducted to explore local food systems with assessment of diet quality and nutritional status of Ho women. Focus group discussions (n = 10) and free-listing (n = 7) were conducted to capture community’s perspectives on IF systems, associated sustainable attributes and perceived challenges towards IF utilization. Scientific names and nutritive values of IFs were documented through secondary review; in case of no information in literature, IFs were identified through ethnobotanist with nutritional analysis in laboratory. 24 h recalls (n = 284 in winter and n = 154 in monsoon) and anthropometric assessments (n = 273) were conducted to estimate women’s dietary diversity and nutritional status. Findings revealed rich traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) producing a diverse list of IFs (n = 243) mainly accessed from natural food environment (wild and cultivated). Among listed foods, 171 IFs were taxonomically classified and among these, nutritive values were documented for 121 IFs. Potentially sustainable traits of Ho’s IF systems included high nutrient density of IFs, community’s preference towards their consumption because of their flavorsome attributes, climate resilient properties and cultural heritage. However, impacts of climate variability, changing farming practices and market-integrated life ways challenged the sustained production, access and consumption of IFs. This was evident in poor diversity in diets (diet diversity scores of 2.9 in winter and monsoon) and chronic energy deficiency (36%) in women. The unique TEK systems of indigenous communities need to be integrated into mainstream policies and programs for safeguarding and promoting their potentially sustainable food systems to support food and nutritional security.

Comprehensive analysis of differences in the physiochemical composition of foremilk and hindmilk of grazing indigenous and crossbred dairy goats; implications for growth, milk production and industry.

This study was conducted on 90 grazing Hair, Alpine × Hair F1 (AHF1), and Saanen × Hair F1 (SHF1) crossbred goats in three farms located around the Taurus Mountains in Konya, Türkiye. The study investigated variation in milk production, physico-chemical traits of milk fractions (foremilk, hindmilk and total milk), and growth traits. Genotype, parity, offspring sex, birth type, and flock factors significantly influenced milk production and quality traits of milk fractions (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). Does with male/single offspring produced less milk, but with higher nutrient density (P < 0.05). Hindmilk was 272%, 31% and 61% richer in fat, total solids and energy content than foremilk, respectively (P < 0.001). However, the protein, lactose and solids-non-fat content of hindmilk was on average 7% lower than that of foremilk (P < 0.001). Physico-chemical quality traits of foremilk, hindmilk and total milk had a strong negative correlation with daily milk yield (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Live weight and average daily gains (ADG) of kids were influenced by maternal parity, flock, offspring sex and birth type (P < 0.05). The overall Kleiber ratios (KR) from birth to 2 months, birth to 3 months, birth to 6 months and 3 to 6 months of age were 21.0 ± 0.22, 17.1 ± 0.11, 10.5 ± 0.06 and 8.5 ± 0.21g/kg of metabolic weight, respectively. It was concluded that these findings are critical for milk sampling protocols, offspring growth strategies, product development and precision livestock management.

Retrospective investigation of the energy requirements for weight loss and weight maintenance after weight loss programme in obese dogs.

Obesity is a highly prevalent disease in dogs and is characterized by the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that results in metabolic changes. Its treatment is based on a negative energy balance focusing on energy restriction. However, there are few studies in dogs that assessed the energy intake needed for adequate weight loss and to weight maintenance afterward. The aim of this study was to evaluate data about the treatment of canine obesity, with emphasis on energy restriction to induce weight loss and to maintain body weight (BW) and ideal body condition after weight loss. This was a retrospective study in which records of obese dogs from a veterinary teaching hospital were assessed between 2014 and 2020. Sixteen dogs were considered in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and 10 of these participated in the maintenance phase after weight loss. The animals lost a mean of 23.2% their initial weight in a mean of 422 days. The mean weekly weight loss rate was 0.58% of BW, and the mean daily energy intake for weight loss was 59 kcal/kg current BW0.75. When the target BW was considered, which was defined as the current weight minus 10% for every point in the body condition score scale above 5, the mean energy for weight loss was 71 kcal/kg target BW0.75. In the maintenance phase, the animals were assessed for a mean of 134 days. The mean energy intake to maintenance BW was 70 kcal/kg BW0.75. The lower energy requirement of obese dogs during and after weight loss can work as an alert for the formulations of therapeutic weight loss diets to contain a high nutrient density focusing on the wellbeing, health, and quality of life of obese dogs, not just for the weight loss phase, but a diet for the weight maintenance phase.

Zinc biofortification via fertigation using alternative zinc sources and concentration levels in pea, radish, and sunflower microgreens

Zinc (Zn) is a key micronutrient essential for human health, and its deficiency affects over 17 % of the global population. The consumption of Zn-biofortified foods is one strategy for addressing this malnutrition issue. Supplying Zn-enriched nutrient solutions via fertigation is a prominent method for enhancing the content of Zn in vegetable crops. Among vegetables, microgreens are considered a particularly suitable biofortification target crop due to their high nutrient density, swift growth rate, and low phytic acid content. However, there is limited knowledge on the optimal Zn sources and application rate for the biofortification of different microgreen species via fertigation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of alternative Zn sources (ZnSO4, ZnO, and Zn-EDTA) and application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/L of Zn) on yield components, mineral content, and phytochemical profile of pea, radish, and sunflower microgreens grown in a soilless cultivation system. Zn fertigation increased Zn content and the nutritional profile (flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant activity, and ascorbic acid) of all three microgreen species. Microgreens fertigated with 15 mg/L ZnSO4 solution, increased Zn content nearly by a factor of 5, 13, and 6 in pea, radish, and sunflower, relative to their control not supplied with Zn (61.01, 50.26, and 65.87 mg/g DW), respectively. ZnSO4 was the most effective source of Zn, followed by ZnO and Zn-EDTA. Zn accumulation resulted in minimal or no fresh yield reduction. However, the concentration of other essential microminerals, like Fe, decreased with Zn accumulation in all three species. In conclusion, Zn biofortification via fertigation is effective in enriching microgreens with Zn, while also enhancing their nutritional profile. Nevertheless, selecting the proper Zn source and application rate is critical to achieving the target Zn concentration without reducing yield and/or the content of Fe and other minerals.

Characterisation and agronomic evaluation of acidified food waste anaerobic digestate products

Raw liquid anaerobic digestate was synthesised into nutrient-dense solid digestates via acidification and evaporation. Acidification retained ammonium in the digestate whilst also donating the anion to free ammonium to form an ammonium salt. Digestate was treated with the addition of sulphuric, nitric, and phosphoric acid resulting in the formation of ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphate, respectively then evaporated into a solid fertiliser product. FTIR, XRD and SEM-EDS collectively confirm that the addition of acids completely converted the free ammonium in the raw digestate into their respective ammonium salt counterparts. Compounds of potassium chloride, silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, and sodium chloride were identified in all solid digestate samples. Plant growth and grain yield was higher in urea ammonium nitrate, raw liquid digestate and acidified digestate products compared to control and unacidified solid digestate. Urea ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate solid digestate had the highest dry shoot, likely due to the high available nitrogen found in both fertilisers. Overall, acidification and evaporation of liquid digestate can efficiently transform it into a valuable solid fertiliser with a high nutrient density. This process not only has the potential to mitigate handling and storage constraints of low nutrient density digestate in anaerobic digestion facilities but also offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilisers.

Supplementation of protease and different nutrient density diets in growing-finishing pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of protease supplementation and different nutrient density of diets in growing-finishing pigs. A total of one hundred-eight crossbred growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW; 18.74 ± 3.46 kg) were used for 15 weeks. Pigs were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 3 pigs per pen in a 3 × 2 factorial through the following arrangement: Three groups of protease (1, Basal diets; 2, Protease A: 125 mg/kg protease derived from Streptomyces sps; 3, Protease B: 100 mg/kg protease derived from Bacillus licheniformis) at two different nutrient density diets (1, Basal requirement; 2, 0.94%-0.98% higher than requirement in dietary protein and 50 kcal/kg in energy). High nutrient (HN) diets showed higher average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) (p < .0001) compared to basal nutrient (BN) diets during growing periods. Supplementation of protease showed higher BW (p < 0.05) and ADG (p < 0.05) compared to non-supplementation of protease during growing periods. Also, supplementation of protease showed higher ATTD of CP (p < 0.01), ATTD of gross energy (p < 0.05) and decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level (p = 0.001) compared to non-supplementation of protease during finishing periods. Pigs which fed the protease showed decreased ammonia (NH3) emissions (p < 0.05) during experiment periods and decreased hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions (p < 0.01) during finishing periods. Interactions between nutrient density and protease were observed, which decreased the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) in HN diets without protease compared to BN diets without protease during weeks 4 to 6. Also, interaction between nutrient density and protease was observed, which resulted in improved ATTD of CP (p < 0.01) in response to PTA supplementation with HN diets during the finishing period. In conclusion, supplementation of protease reduces NH3 in feces and BUN in whole blood by increasing the digestibility of CP and improves growth performance. Also, diets with high nutrient density improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing periods.

Nutrient Density, Added Sugar, and Fiber Content of Commercially Available Fruit Snacks in the United States from 2017 to 2022.

Fruit snacks have become a popular and convenient snacking choice and have the potential to contribute to a well-balanced diet. However, the nutritional quality of fruit snack products has not yet been studied. The objective of the present study is to provide a nutritional assessment of the fruit snack product category. This study used the Mintel Global New Product Database to collect data about fruit snack products launched in the United States from 2017 to 2022. Fruit snack products (n = 2405) are divided into nine product categories based on product characteristics. Nutrition composition was assessed using a comprehensive score, Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) model, and by examining individual components (added sugar and fiber). The results show that dried fruit has the highest nutrient density, fiber content, and the lowest added sugar content. Conversely, fruit-flavored snacks have the lowest nutrient density, fiber content, and added sugar content. Currently, fruit puree, canned fruit with juice, and dried fruit are the only fruit snacks that meet the current recommendations set by the USDA Dietary Guidelines. Future directions for the fruit snack category should consider decreasing the added sugar content, increasing the fiber content, and enhancing their sensory profile to improve the overall nutrient density.

Adequate nutrient intake mitigate the toxic effects of bromate on the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus.

Bromate is receiving increased attention as a typical disinfection by-product in aquatic environments, but bromate toxicity tests on invertebrate such as Brachionus calyciflorus rotifer are inadequate. In the present study, the long-term toxicity tests on B. calyciflorus were performed during 21 days under the exposure of different bromate concentrations and two algal density conditions. Furthermore, we evaluated the feeding behaviors of the rotifers under the impact of bromate. The maximum population density of rotifers was significantly reduced at 100 and 200 mg/L bromate exposure at the two algal density conditions. However, we observed that the maximum population density and population growth rate of rotifers were higher at 3.0 × 106 cells/mL algal density than those at 1.0 × 106 cells/mL under the same conditions of bromate exposure. These results suggest that higher food density may have alleviated the negative effects of bromate on rotifers. Meanwhile, the ingestion rate at an algal density of 3.0 × 106 cells/mL was higher than that at 1.0 × 106 cells/mL. The present study provides a basic reference to comprehensively evaluate the toxic effects of bromate on aquatic organisms.