Fiber Intake Research Articles

Abstract 4136294: Carbohydrate intakes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in South Asians: Results from 56,024 participants in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka

Background: Evidence on effects of carbohydrate intake with cardiovascular disease risk factors is inconsistent and has limited generalizability to diverse populations such as South Asians, whose carbohydrate intakes are typically high. Aims: We examined the association of the quantity and types of carbohydrate intake with two risk factors for major cardiovascular events– hypertension (HT) and hypercholesterolemia (HC). Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from participants aged ≥18 years in the South Asia Biobank in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Using dietary data assessed with interviewer-led 24h diet recalls, we calculated intakes of total and subtypes of carbohydrates and several indices of carbohydrate quality. Primary outcomes were HT and HC, defined by medication use, doctor diagnosis, blood pressure and blood lipid levels. With mixed effects Poisson regression, HT and HC was regressed on quantiles of carbohydrate intakes by country to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), followed by meta-analysis pooling country-specific estimates. We examined interactions by diabetes status and adiposity. Results: Of 56,024 adults, 36.6% had HT, 16.1% had HC. In pooled multivariable analyses comparing extreme quantiles, total carbohydrate intake was not associated with HT or HC prevalence. Fructose, free sugar and free sugar-to-fiber ratio were associated with higher prevalence of HT (PRs Q5vsQ1 : 1.03-1.15). Higher intakes of cereal fiber (PR Q4vsQ1 : 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98) and legume fiber (PR Q4vsQ1 : 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.98) were associated with lower prevalence of HT and higher cereal fiber intake with lower HC prevalence (PR Q5vsQ1 : 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75-0.85). Diabetes and adiposity were observed as effect-modifiers (p<0.001). There were null associations in adults with diabetes but in non-diabetic adults, free sugar intake was related positively with HT (PR Q5vsQ1 : 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.09) while fiber intake was inversely related (PR Q5vsQ1 : 0.98, 0.95-0.97). Starch, sugar and free sugar intake were associated positively with HT prevalence in adults with high body fat (≥20% for men; ≥30% for women) and visceral fat (≥10%) levels (PRs Q5vsQ1 : 1.03-1.20); associations were null for low body and visceral fat levels. Associations varied by country (between-country heterogeneity I 2 >60%). Conclusion: Associations of dietary carbohydrates with HT and HC depended on the quality and type of intake in South Asians.

Association between iron and vitamin intake and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents of both sexes

Abstract Cardiovascular parameters and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents may be influenced by eating habits. The aim was to evaluate the association between the levels of some nutrients and micronutrients with blood pressure and VO2max in adolescents. A total of 60 adolescents (15.77 ± 0.96 years old) participated in the study, of whom 35 were girls and 25 were boys. Eating habits were assessed frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Before and after a cardiorespiratory fitness test (YOYO TEST), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were collected. A backward elimination method of multiple regression was performed to analyse the data. A positive association was found between VO2max and the intake of iron (), vitamin D (), vitamin B6 () and vitamin B12 () for girls. Additionally, no significant associations were found between sugar, fibre and fat intake and VO2max. There was a positive association between SBP and sugar intake () for girls and negative association between DBP after exertion and fibre intake () and body mass index () for boys. There is a positive association between the intake of iron, vitamins and VO2max in girls and intake of sugar with SBP for girls and negative association between fibres and DBP after exertion for boys.

Use of Carbohydrate (CHO), Gluten-Free, and FODMAP-Free Diets to Prevent Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms (GISs) can affect the performance of endurance athletes (EAs). This study aims to analyze the efficacy of carbohydrate (CHO), gluten-free, and low-mono-saccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diets in preventing GISs in adult EAs of both sexes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted prior to 30 June 2024 in accordance with the PRISMA statement. We searched for original studies from the last eight years, in English or Spanish, that looked at the effect of CHO, gluten-free, or FODMAP diets on the GISs of EAs. In PubMed, the MeSH (medical subject heading) categories were used. The search was repeated in EBSCO, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were determined using the PICOS framework and the risk of bias in each paper was assessed using the PEDro scale quality criteria checklist (systematic review registration: INPLASY202490080). Results: Of 289 articles identified, only 3.5% met the eligibility criteria. All studies found that GISs are common in EAs. We found that 60% of the articles used an experimental method; moreover, based on 80% of the articles, following a bowel training diet, like CHO, reduced fiber and dairy products, or a low-FODMAP diet, has the potential to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and improve the athletic performance of EA. Conclusions: We found that low-FODMAP diets, gut training with CHO intake, and decreased fiber and dairy intake may have favorable effects in preventing GISs. No studies support a gluten-free diet in reducing GISs in EAs.

The Relationship between Dietary Habits and Type 2 Diabetes for Contribution to Health Promotion: Literature Review

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition largely influenced by dietary habits and eating behaviors. Poor dietary choices, such as high consumption of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and low intake of fiber, are well-established risk factors for the development of T2DM. The promotion of healthy eating behaviours and active lifestyles is essential to address the increasing prevalence of T2DM and improve public health. Objective: This study aimed to examine the impact of various dietary patterns and specific food intakes on the risk of T2DM, as well as the role of meal timing and dietary quality in influencing blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Method: This research employs a literature review method by analyzing several relevant studies. The articles were sourced from Scopus and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "feeding behavior," "eating behavior," "feeding patterns," "food habits," "dietary habits," and "type 2 Diabetes," "diabetes Type 2," "type 2 diabetes mellitus," "diabetes mellitus type 2," and "T2DM." Result: The results of the article search revealed 13 articles from 2019-2024 that matched the criteria set. The results showed that Eating habits have a significant effect on the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Poor food choices and irregular eating patterns increase the risk. Conclusion: The paper highlights the significant impact of dietary habits and eating behaviors on the development and progression of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It emphasises the importance of healthy food choices and regular eating patterns in managing blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. These insights could contribute to designing an effective health promotion program.

Evaluation of coffee pulp as a feed ingredient for ruminants: A meta-analysis

Abstract This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential of coffee pulp as ruminant feed. The database was developed from 22 related articles containing 94 studies, collected from Scopus and Google Scholar. The parameters integrated were ruminant intake, digestibility, ruminant performance, milk production, milk composition, carcass production, and rumen fermentation. The data were analyzed using a mixed model methodology. The level of coffee pulp was considered as a fixed factor and the different studies as random effects. The results revealed that coffee pulp addition had a significant quadratic effect on reducing the intake of dry matter, crude protein, and total digestible nutrients (P < 0.01), and had a linear response to enhance neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber intake (P < 0.05). However, it should be noted that there were no significant differences in performance, nutrient digestibility, milk production and composition, carcass production, and rumen fermentation. by using coffee pulp as ruminant feed. In conclusion, coffee pulp can be used as an alternative feed ingredient for ruminants. However, it should be applied at the right amount to avoid negative effects on animal performance.

Effects of Soluble and Insoluble Fibre on Glycolipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Background: Dietary fibre can alleviate or reduce the risk of obesity and obesity-induced abnormalities in glycolipid metabolism. However, the effects of different types of dietary fibre or their combinations on obesity remain unclear. Here, we explored the effects of different ratios of inulin soluble dietary fibre (ISDF) and barley leaf insoluble dietary fibre (BLIDF) on the body weight, glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota of obese mice. Methods: Seven experimental groups were treated with different combinations of soluble and insoluble fibre, comprising HFD (high-fat diet without dietary fibre), BLIDF, ISDF, I3S1DF (insoluble/soluble = 3:1), I2S2DF (insoluble/soluble = 1:1), I1S3DF (insoluble/soluble = 1:3) and MIX (inulin, BLIDF and matcha powder fibre; insoluble/soluble = 3.6:1) groups. Results: Our results showed that the BLIDF, ISDF and MIX treatments decreased the body weight gain of the HFD mice significantly after eight-week interventions. All the fibre intervention groups except the MIX group displayed lower fasting blood glucose and glycosylated serum protein levels than the HFD group. BLIDF, ISDF, I3S1DF and I2S2DF improved the glucose tolerance of the mice. Moreover, none of the dietary fibre interventions affected the liver lipid metabolism, while I3S1DF and I1S3DF improved the abnormal serum lipid metabolism. BLIDF, ISDF, I3S1DF and I2S2DF reduced the serum IL-6 levels, and BLIDF and I1S3DF increased SOD activity significantly. Additionally, all the dietary fibre interventions decreased the Firmicutes to Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio and increased the abundance of beneficial gut microbes differently. Conclusions: In short, our results suggest that different ratios of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre have unique impacts on mice body weight, glycolipid metabolism, inflammation and gut microbiota. The ratio of soluble to insoluble dietary fibre intake should be considered for specific health goals in the future.

Beyond the family's cooking frequency: The influence of cooking techniques on vegetable and fruit consumption among the U.S. population

BackgroundDespite the well-established health benefits of fruits and vegetables, U.S. consumption remains far below the WHO's recommended 400 g per day. Understanding how culinary techniques influence intake could elucidate strategies for improving dietary habits. ObjectiveTo explore whether the use of cooking techniques for fruits and vegetables is associated with increased consumption of these foods and the corresponding variation in total fiber intake among the U.S. population. MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2010, participants (n = 9754) were categorized into groups based on their self-reported cooking frequency. Cooking techniques were classified into types. The mean consumption of fruits and vegetables was segmented into quartiles. Cooking frequency was evaluated, and differences between groups were assessed using chi-square tests and mean comparison tests. The study also assessed the prevalence of cooking techniques for different food groups. Additionally, linear regression analyses were conducted to adjust the mean daily per capita consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber, considering cooking frequency and other socioeconomic variables as predictors. ResultsThe studied population's mean consumption of fruits and vegetables was 302.9 g, with half of this amount consisting of fruits. Individuals from households with frequent cooking practices (≥5x a week) consumed, on average, 48.2 g more fruits and vegetables daily than those from households with less frequent cooking (<5x a week). The use of diverse cooking techniques significantly improved vegetable intake, showing a fivefold increase in consumption among those employing multiple techniques. Moreover, frequent home cooking was associated with a 1.0-g increase in daily fiber intake. ConclusionPublic policies aimed at improving fruit and vegetable intake among the U.S. population should consider, in addition to cooking frequency, the role of cooking techniques in influencing the consumption of these food groups.

The Effect of Fermented Food Containing Aspergillus Oryzae (Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI) Consumption on Abdominal Symptoms Associated with Premenstrual Syndrome in Japanese Women

Background: Psychological and physical symptoms such as irritability, headache, abdominal pain, difficulty with bowel movements, and drowsiness that occur because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle refer to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study examined whether the intake of fermented food containing Aspergillus oryza (Amazake and Raw-SHIOKOJI), a traditional Japanese food, improved the abdominal symptoms associated with PMS. Method: Eleven healthy Japanese collegiate women in their 20s participated in this interventional study. The study period was set to 28 days per phase, and the participants were examined over three separate phases: before, during, and after the intake of Amazake or Raw-SHIOKOJI. The participants were instructed to maintain a daily record of their food intake, bowel movements and menstruation throughout the study period. Results: The intake of fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate among 11 participants were similar, with no significant difference between the two groups. Menstrual abdominal discomfort in women in their 20s was noted during the luteal and menstrual phases. Eight participants (72.7%) experienced abdominal discomfort during the luteal phase and all participants experienced abdominal discomfort during the menstrual phase. Consuming fermented food containing Aspergillus oryzae may reduce PMS abdominal symptoms by 72.7%. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of food containing Aspergillus oryzae reduced abdominal discomfort associated with the luteal phase and may improve menstruating women's health and quality of life.

The relationship between perceived discrimination and reported nutrient intake among pregnant individuals of minoritized racial and ethnic groups

BackgroundImplications of life-long, perceived discrimination on nutrient intake during the preconception period are unclear. ObjectiveThe objective is to identify associations between perceived discrimination and consumption of specific nutrients associated with risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. DesignThis is a secondary data analysis of the prospective Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be (NuMom2b) cohort. Participants completed a Block Food Frequency Questionnaire assessing diet in the three months prior to pregnancy and a Krieger Experiences of Discrimination Scale assessing personal encounters of discrimination. Participants/SettingParticipants were recruited from eight clinical centers across the US between 2010-2013. Each participant completed the Food Frequency and Krieger questionnaires and self-identified as belonging to a minoritized racial or ethnic group for this analysis (n=2457). Main outcome measuresMain outcomes include reported total energy and macronutrient intake, percent of energy from macronutrients, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (FA), added sugar, sodium, dietary fiber, and Healthy Eating Index-2010 Seafood and Plant Proteins component score. Statistical analyses performedParticipants were grouped as reporting fewer (<3) or more (≥3) circumstances of discrimination on the Krieger Scale. Multivariable regression models examined associations between discrimination group and nutrient intake. Variables with non-normal distributions were log transformed. Associations were adjusted for total energy intake. Primary outcomes underwent false discovery rate correction (FDR). ResultsThose reporting three or more circumstances of discrimination had higher reported energy intake (p=0.002) and higher reported intake of total fat, saturated fat, unsaturated fats, protein, added sugar and sodium after FDR (all p<0.05) as compared to those reporting fewer circumstances. After adjustment for total energy intake, reporting three or more circumstances was associated with greater reported intake of saturated fat and n-3 polyunsaturated FA, and lower reported intake of dietary fiber (all p<0.05). ConclusionReporting three or more circumstances of discrimination was associated with higher reported total energy intake. After adjustment for total energy, reporting three or more circumstances of perceived discrimination was associated with less nutritious intake for some (higher saturated fat and lower dietary fiber) but not all (higher eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) nutrients.

Association Between Dietary Fiber Intake and Sleep Disorders: Based on the NHANES Database.

Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, the primary objective of this investigation was to examine the relationship between dietary fiber intake (DFI) and sleep disorders. For analysis, data from three consecutive cycles of NHANES (2009-2014) were pooled. The independent variable of interest was DFI, while the dependent variable was sleep disorders. Weighted logistic regression was employed to model the relationship between the two variables. Subgroup analyses were conducted, stratified, and adjusted to explore the association between DFI and sleep disorders. This study encompassed a cohort of 14,360 samples. Logistic regression results revealed a significant inverse association between higher DFI and the risk of sleep disorders (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-1.00, p = 0.005). Stratified analysis demonstrated significant interactive effects of gender and physical activity on the association between DFI and sleep disorders (interaction p = 0.017, p = 0.061). Quartile-stratified analysis of DFI showed that in the crude model, Q4 exhibited a significant protective impact against sleep disorders (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.97, p = 0.026). In model I, which adjusted for demographic characteristics only, Q3 (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56-0.98, p = 0.036) and Q4 (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.55-0.90, p = 0.006) had significant protective effects on sleep disorders. Additionally, gender subgroup analysis revealed that DFI had a significant impact on the female population, particularly in postmenopausal women, and was more pronounced in subjects with BMI > 30kg/m2 (p = 0.011). Within the physical activity subgroup, there was a certain effect of DFI on improving sleep disorders in individuals with low activity intensity. Increasing DFI had a protective effect in reducing the risk of sleep disorders. This protective effect may be more pronounced in the female population and individuals with low physical intensity.

Early Pathological Mechanisms in a Mouse Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) constitutes more than half of all HF cases, yet evidence-based therapies remain lacking due to limited understanding of its underlying pathological mechanisms. Our study aimed to uncover early pathological mechanisms in HFpEF by exposing mice to dietary conditions resembling a Western diet-rich in fats, salt, and low in fiber-alongside excess mineralocorticoids to replicate significant aspects of human HFpEF. Echocardiography was performed at both 3-week and 6-week intervals post-challenge, revealing cardiac alterations as early as 3-weeks. While ejection fraction remained preserved, mice exhibited signs of diastolic dysfunction, reduced stroke volume, and left atrial enlargement. Additionally, changes in pulmonary flow velocities were noted by the 3-week mark, suggesting elevated pulmonary pressure. Extracardiac comorbidities included organ congestion, increased adiposity, impaired glucose tolerance, and hypercholesterolemia. Molecular analyses unveiled evidence of low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired NO-cGMP-PKG signaling, contributing to the observed decrease in titin phosphorylation, thereby impacting myocardial stiffness. Additionally, impaired NO signaling might have influenced the alterations observed in coronary flow reserve. Moreover, dysregulation of calcium signaling in cardiomyocytes and reduced SR load were observed. Interestingly, elevated phosphorylation of cMyBP-C was linked to preserved ejection fraction despite reduced SR load. We also observed intestinal atrophy, possibly due to low dietary fiber intake and diminished gut perfusion, potentially contributing to systemic low-grade inflammation. These findings reveal how excess mineralocorticoids-salt-induced hypertension, and dietary factors, like high-fat and low-fiber intake, contribute to cardiac dysfunction and metabolic disturbances, offering insights into early HFpEF pathology in this model.

The role for ω-3 polyunsaturated and short chain fatty acids in hypertension: an updated view on the interaction with gut microbiota

As of 2024, arterial hypertension is still considered the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and, due to high rates of undertreatment and poor blood pressure control, the major contributor to human morbidity and mortality. Development of new treatment options and better interventions in lifestyle correction have become a priority of experimental and clinical research. In the last decades, dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) and generation of gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have surged as potential and promising interventions for hypertension and cardiovascular prevention. ω-3 PUFAs are considered “essential” fatty acids that can be obtained only from dietary sources. Although previous intervention trials were not consistent in reporting a significant benefit of ω-3 PUFAs, the recent REDUCE-IT trial has provided robust evidence in support of their role in cardiovascular prevention. Recent studies have also identified the intestinal microbiota as a potential player in the pathophysiology and progression of hypertension. Although this might occur through many pathways, generation of SCFAs that is highly dependent on dietary fiber intake is primarily involved, providing an additional target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. For these reasons, some scientific societies currently recommend dietary supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs and fiber-containing foods in patients with hypertension. In this narrative review, we summarize the results of studies that examined the effects of ω-3 PUFAs and SCFAs on blood pressure, highlighting the mechanisms of action on the vascular system and their possible impact on hypertension, hypertension-related organ damage and, ultimately, cardiovascular outcomes.

Impact of added enzyme-treated bran on the techno-functional properties of puffed-extruded sorghum snack

Dietary fibre intake is crucial for improving human health and reducing the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases. This study determines the effect of the enzyme (Viscozyme®L: a cocktail of cell wall degrading enzymes including arabanase, cellulase, β-glucanase, hemicellulase and xylanase) hydrolyzed fibre on the techno-functional properties of puffed-extruded sorghum snacks made from sorghum flour. Sorghum flour and sorghum flour mixed with untreated bran, water-incubated bran, and enzyme-treated bran were extruded using a twin-screw extruder. The puffed-extruded snacks from sorghum flour with 2-hour enzyme-treated bran showed similar expansion ratios to snacks from sorghum flour without bran. The expansion ratios of the without-bran snacks (2.80) and enzyme-treated bran-added snacks (2.77) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those made with untreated sorghum bran (1.87). A higher expansion ratio usually results in a lighter, crispier texture and a more attractive appearance of puffed-extruded snacks, which consumers often prefer. The enzyme treatment also increased the water solubility index and decreased the water absorption index compared to snacks with untreated bran. This study explores the potential of using an enzyme-treated sorghum bran to manufacture puffed-extruded snacks comparable to those made with sorghum flour.

Association between dietary fiber intake and suicidal ideation: a cross-sectional survey.

Dietary fiber is beneficial for improving mental health. However, few studies have evaluated the relationship between fiber-rich food and suicidal ideation. Thus, we aimed to assess whether dietary fiber consumption was associated with the risk of suicidal ideation. Data of 21,865 American adults were retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Logistic and restricted cubic spline regression analyses were performed in order to evaluate the association of dietary fiber intake with suicidal ideation, as indicated by item nine of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). These analyses took into consideration several confounding factors that may potentially influence the results. Herein, we detected an L-shaped association between dietary fiber intake and the risk of suicidal ideation. For the most conclusive model, an increase of 1 g/1000 kcal/d in dietary fiber intake was accompanied by a 5% reduction in the risk of suicidal ideation. The inflection point of the L-shaped association was located at 7.8 g/1000 kcal/d. When dietary fiber intake exceeded the above level, the risk of suicidal ideation no longer decreased. Our findings of reduced risk of suicidal ideation in people with higher dietary fiber intake suggest the potential clinical and public health value of dietary fiber. Interventional investigations are warranted to prove whether adhering to a high-fiber diet prevents and reduces suicidality.

Associations between dietary nutrient intake and sleep disorders in cancer survivors base on NHANES 2005 to 2018.

Sleep disorders significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals, which remain largely unrecognized. It is widely believed that dietary nutrient intake plays a crucial role in promoting healthy sleep patterns. However, there is lack of research focusing on cancer survivors. This study utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to investigate the correlation between dietary nutrient intake and sleep disorders in cancer survivors. Analyzing data from 2882 cancer survivors in NHANES spanning from 2005 to 2018. Dietary nutrient intake was evaluated through two 24-h dietary recalls. Weighted multivariable logistic regression model was employed to further applied to explore the association between dietary fiber intake and sleep disorders while controlling for relevant confounding factors. Additionally, the nonlinear and dose-response relationships were explored using restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression along with smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis. Stratified analysis and interaction analysis were conducted to assess the consistency of the results. Univariable and multivariable analysis demonstrated that dietary fiber intake showed negative correlation with sleep disorders (P < 0.05). Treating dietary fiber intake as continuous variable. After accounting for all covariates, the study reaffirmed the protective role of dietary fiber (odds ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-0.99, P = 0.044). Analysis of dietary fiber intake in quartiles further supported this trend (P < 0.001). Interestingly, further investigations indicated that dietary fiber intake was not associated with sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or other types of sleep disorders (P > 0.05). Notably, no statistically significant interactions were observed in all subgroup analyses except poverty income ratio (PIR) (P for interaction < 0.05), indicating that the protective effect of dietary fiber on sleep disorders was more pronounced in individuals with PIR ≥2.5. Our results suggest that adequate dietary fiber intake may be beneficial dietary strategy to reduce sleep disorders in cancer survivors.

Effect of Cashew Nutshell Extract, Saponins and Tannins Addition on Methane Emissions, Nutrient Digestibility and Feeding Behavior of Beef Steers Receiving a Backgrounding Diet.

The beef industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through enteric methane emissions, exacerbating climate change. Anacardic acid in cashew nutshell extract (CNSE), saponins and tannins (ST) are plant secondary metabolites that show promise in methane mitigation via antimicrobial effects, potentially exerting changes in ruminal fermentation patterns. This study examined the impact of CNSE, ST, and their combination on methane emissions, digestibility, intake, and performance of sixteen Angus crossbred steers (347 ± 30 kg) receiving a backgrounding diet (70:30 corn silage: cottonseed burrs). The study used a 4 × 4 Latin square design (4 steers, 4 treatments, 4 periods) with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, including the main effects of additive (CNSE or ST) fed individually or combined. Thus, steers received the following treatments: (1) no additive, (2) CNSE only, (3) ST only, or (4) both (CNSEST). Non-supplemented steers registered eight more feedbunk visits/d than ST-steers and spent an extra 10 min/d on the feedbunk. The addition of ST tended to increase dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber intake. Additives fed individually reduced CP digestibility. Intake of the carrier containing CNSE only was lesser and coincided with a greater methane yield in that treatment. Digestibility and methane mitigation were improved after CNSEST compared with individual inclusion, suggesting synergistic reactions enhanced methane mitigation effects in fibrous diets without affecting the digestibility of nutrients nor animal growth performance.

Fast-food consumption among Indian adolescents and associated factors

Fast food consumption is on a rise among adolescence in India and this age group is also facing the double burden of malnutrition. Fast foods are an unhealthy food choice and are associated with increasing obesity and related non -communicable diseases at a young age. India has the largest adolescent population and the health and nutrition issues of this group need to be addressed. Ironically children and teenagers who require more healthy nutritious food constitutes the largest population preferring fast foods. There is need to gain a clear insight on the issue in Indian context therefore the current paper was undertaken to study the scale of the problem, along with factors contributing to rising fast-food consumption among adolescent in India. The review primarily focused on existing Indian studies pertaining to the issue. Available studies report high prevalence of fast-food consumption and lower than recommended consumption of fruits, green leafy vegetables and dairy products which is likely to result in higher calorie consumption and lesser intake of protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and phytochemicals in respondents. Both urban and rural adolescence show rising trends of fast-food consumption. It is higher among the urban counterparts. Studies establishing association between overweight/obesity and junk food/fast food consumption in this age group could be sighted. Studies reported taste, affordability, availability, advertising and marketing, parental influence, nuclear families and working mothers, peer pressure and meal skipping to be the contributory associated factors.

The effect of high-fibre diets on glycaemic control in women with diabetes in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We searched four databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science) to identify RCTs exploring the effect of dietary fibre, high-fibre diets or fibre supplementation on fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (PBG) and requirement for insulin therapy, among other glycaemic makers in pregnant women with diabetes. Data were pooled for each outcome to calculate change from baseline mean (SD) and overall mean difference (MD) between control and intervention groups. Of 1462 identified studies, data from 20 eligible trials containing 1061 participants were pooled. On meta-analysis, a higher fibre intake was associated with reduced FBG (MD: -0.35 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.53, -0.18, p < 0.01), PBG (MD: -0.90 mmol/L, 95% CI: -1.39, -0.40, p < 0.01) and requirement for insulin (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.46, p < 0.01). There was significant heterogeneity for FBG and PBG (>90%), attributable to differences in Intervention type for PBG (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension [DASH] diet, low glycaemic index, supplement; p < 0.01) and study duration (for FBG: p = 0.002; not for PBG). Studies were mostly scored as high risk of bias due to lack of blinding (Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool v.2.0). High-quality dietary intervention studies in pregnancy are lacking. Our results suggest that high-fibre diets improve fasting and postprandial glycaemia and reduce the likelihood of requiring insulin in women with diabetes in pregnancy.

Intake, digestibility, and behavior of horses fed açaí kernel (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) as a substitute of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus).

In this study, we analyzed the effects of including açaí kernel, in the experimental diets fed to horses on the intake and digestibility of their nutrient and the resultant effects on the behavior of horses. The experiments were conducted in Federal Rural University of Amazonia. Five mares with no defined breeds, were allocated to five treatments (the replacement of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus) with crushed açaí kernel at 0, 18.75, 37.50, 56.25, and 75% levels of dry matter), in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The animals were housed in covered stalls with concrete floors, equipped with individual troughs and drinkers, and fed 80% roughage and 20% concentrate. The inclusion of açaí kernel altered the intake and digestibility of a few nutritional components and the feeding behavior of mares. Increasing levels of the substitution of Mombaça grass with crushed açaí kernel in the experimental diets increased the nutrient intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, and non-fibrous carbohydrates (P < 0.05) while reducing the time spent on feeding by the animals. Crushed açaí kernel can, therefore, be included as a substitute for Mombaça grass at up to 37.5% in equine diets.

Associations of the Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and the risk of Breast Cancer (BrCa): a case–control study

BackgroundBreast cancer (BrCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. There are several factors for getting BrCa, including some changeable factors related to lifestyle like unhealthy dietary patterns, so modifying them can prevent one third of the complications and deaths caused by BrCa. Therefore, we decided to investigate the relationship between Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and the risk of BrCa.MethodsIn this hospital-based case–control study, 253 patients with BrCa and 267 non-BrCa controls were enrolled. Food consumption was recorded to calculate the HBI score using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Additionally, by using binary logistic regression analysis with adjustment for confounders, the relationship between HBI and the risk of BrCa were assessed. HBI was established by Duffey et al. and is used to evaluate the overall quality of beverage intake and identify changes in consumption.ResultsMean ± SD of age and BMI of the study participants were 47.92 ± 10.33 years and 29.43 ± 5.51 kg/m2, respectively. Patients with BrCa considerably outperformed controls in terms of waist circumference (WC), age at first pregnancy, history of abortion, and number of children(Pvalue < 0.05). Compared with those in the lowest quartile of HBI, subjects in the highest quartile had higher intake of energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, E, B9, fruits, vegetables, fish and nut as well as lower BMI and WC (Pvalue < 0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals in highest compared to lowest quartile of HBI had significantly lower risk of BrCa for total population (odds ratio (OR): 0.40; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.21–0.76, Pvalue < 0.05), premenopausal (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16–0.92, Pvalue = 0.013), and postmenopausal (OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.10–0.78, Pvalue = 0.023).ConclusionFindings of this study suggested that higher HBI score decreased the risk of BrCa. However, further investigation is needed.