Moderate Consumption Research Articles

Association Between Consumption of Foods Containing Vitamin D and All-Cause Mortality in Korea.

Sufficient vitamin D levels are reported to be a factor in reducing various chronic diseases and resulting mortality rates. Well-dried mushrooms and blue-backed fish are known to be rich in vitamin D. In this study, the association between mortality rates and the intake of vitamin D-rich foods was confirmed using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiological Study (KoGES). Among the KoGES database, we followed up a total of 6844 adults who participated in the Ansung-Ansan cohort study recruited from 2001 to 2002 and continued for an average of 16.7 years until 2018. The main findings were analyzed using Cox regression analysis. During follow-up, 439 cases of all-cause mortality, 149 cases of cancer-related mortality, and 91 cases of cardiovascular mortality were confirmed. In the fully adjusted model, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality in quartile 3 of mushroom consumption was 0.709 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.525-0.958) compared with quartile 1. In addition, the HRs for cardiovascular mortality in quartile 3 of mushroom consumption were 0.348 (95% CI, 0.154-0.787) compared with those in quartile 1. The HRs of cardiovascular mortality for quartiles 3 and 4 of fish consumption were 0.442 (95% CI, 0.226-0.865) and 0.533 (95% CI, 0.285-0.998), respectively, compared with quartile 1. In conclusion, moderate consumption of mushrooms was related to decreased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, while heightened fish consumption was inversely related to cardiovascular mortality.

Bottled or Tap Water? Factors Explaining Consumption and Measures to Promote Tap Water

The production and consumption of plastic bottled water have several negative environmental impacts worldwide. To identify the barriers and motivations for drinking tap and bottled water, we conducted a nationally representative questionnaire survey among 3411 respondents in the Czech Republic in 2022. People aged 18–34 are moderate consumers of bottled water and very frequent consumers of tap water. Bottled water consumption tends to be less frequent among people with a higher education, while tap water consumption is less frequent among people with lower incomes. The most important factors that explain the frequency of drinking bottled and tap water are taste perception, health concerns and habit. Health concerns about tap water and the unpleasant taste of tap water increase the consumption of bottled water. People with a strong habit of drinking tap water are less likely to consume bottled water. The constructs from the theory of planned behaviour were statistically significant. The results can guide decision-makers in promoting tap water to consumers. To encourage tap water drinking, we suggest measures to increase the availability of tap water in public places in conjunction with campaigns targeting the taste and health perception, as well as the habit, of drinking tap water.

Effect of Moderate Beer Intake on the Lipid Composition of Human Red Blood Cell Membranes.

Background/Objectives: Growing evidence suggests that erythrocyte membrane lipids are subject to changes during their lifespan. Factors such as the type of dietary intake and its composition contribute to the changes in red blood cell (RBC) membranes. Due to the high antioxidant content of beer, we aimed to investigate the effect of moderate beer consumption on the lipid composition of RBCs membranes from healthy overweight individuals. Methods: We conducted a four-weeks, prospective two-arm longitudinal crossed-over study, where participants (n = 36) were randomly assigned to alcohol-free beer group or traditional beer group. The lipids of RBCs membranes were assessed at the beginning and the end of the intervention by thin-layer chromatography. Results: Four-weeks of alcohol-free beer promoted changes in fatty acids (FA), free cholesterol (FC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, traditional beer intake led to changes in FA, FC, phospholipids (PL), PE and PC (p < 0.05). The observed alterations in membrane lipids were found to be independent of sex and BMI as influencing factors. Conclusions: The lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes is distinctly but mildly influenced by the consumption of both non-alcoholic and conventional beer, with no effects on RBC membrane fluidity.

Strategies for achieving the sustainable development goals across the wine chain: a review

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations present a comprehensive blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. The wine industry, with its extensive global reach and significant economic impact, holds a unique position to contribute toward these goals. This review examines how the wine industry can, directly and indirectly, support all 17 SDGs through a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating extensive literature analysis. The study explores the alignment of wine industry practices with the SDGs across three key pillars: social, environmental, and governance goals. Social initiatives focus on enhancing livelihoods, food security, fair and safe working conditions, inclusive and ethical development among the workers and communities, education, and economic growth. Environmental efforts emphasize reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, conserving water, improving water and energy use efficiency, improving grapevine resilience against adverse environmental conditions, minimizing pollution, protecting biodiversity, creating more sustainable cities, and promoting moderate wine consumption. Governance goals highlight the importance of regulatory frameworks, wine industry standards, and stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainable, responsible and ethical practices, contributing to effective partnerships and institutional capacity. Conclusions highlight the wine industry’s commitment to sustainability as a catalyst for positive change, demonstrating that profitability and environmental stewardship can coexist. Future perspectives call for enhanced collaboration, research, education, supportive policies, robust monitoring, and equality initiatives. By embracing sustainable practices, the wine industry can play a vital role in advancing the global agenda for a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future.

Association between cigarette smoking and nasopharyngeal cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a relatively rare yet aggressive malignancy, primarily affecting regions of East and Southeast Asia. This study aims at providing an up-to-date quantification of the association between cigarette smoking and NPC risk, overall and by histological subsites. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies on the association between cigarette smoking and NPC risk published up to May 2023. The methodology used is original and efficient and includes both a comprehensive umbrella review and a traditional review. We estimated pooled relative risks (RR) of NPC according to smoking status, intensity, duration, and time since quitting. Among 46 eligible articles, 40 original studies were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with never smokers, the pooled RR of NPC was 1.61 for current, 1.28 for former, and 1.62 for ever smokers. The RR for ever compared with never smokers was 2.37 for squamous cell NPC and 1.06 for undifferentiated NPC. NPC risk significantly increased linearly with smoking intensity and duration, and decreased linearly with increasing time since quitting. This meta-analysis confirms the link between tobacco smoking and NPC, highlighting the significant risk posed even by moderate cigarette consumption. Additionally, our findings underscore the differential risk between squamous cell and undifferentiated subtypes of NPC, shedding light on the distinct implications for NPC prevention strategies.

Lipid metabolism parameters and alcohol consumption among men in Arkhangelsk, Russia: The Know Your Heart study

Aim. To assess the association between levels of alcohol consumption and lipid metabolism parameters among adult men.Materials and methods. The study included 881 men aged 35–69 from the general population of Arkhangelsk, who participated in the 2015–17 Know Your Heart study, and 161 men who received inpatient treatment for alcohol-related diagnoses (narcology patients). Participants were divided into five levels of alcohol consumption: non-drinkers, non-problem (infrequent moderate consumption), hazardous (frequent consumption in doses hazardous to health), harmful (prenosological), and narcology patients. Using multivariate linear regressions, we analyzed differences between these groups in atherogenic lipid fractions (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], apolipoprotein B [ApoB], remnant cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a)) (Lp(a)), antiatherogenic lipid fractions (high-density lipoprotein [HDL], apolipoprotein A1 [апо A1]), and in ApoB/апо A1 ratio.Results. Compared with non-problem drinkers, hazardous drinkers had higher mean levels of HDL by 0.22 mmol/L, HDL by 0.07 mmol/L, and ApoB by 0.04 g/L. Among harmful drinkers, mean HDL was higher by 0.15 mmol/L and апо A1 by 0.08 g/L, but the ApoB/апо A1 ratio was lower by 0.06. Among narcology patients, mean TC levels were lower by 0.42 mmol/L, LDL by 0.41 mmol/L, ApoB by 0.09 g/L, ApoB/апо A1 by 0.08, and non-HDL by 0.45 mmol/L, but TG was higher by 0.15 mmol/L. Lp(a) in this group was higher by 0.29 mg/dl only after adjustment for markers of liver function. Non-drinkers had on average lower levels of TC by 0.29 mmol/L, HDL by 0.11 mmol/L, and апо A1 by 0.08 g/L.Conclusions. Compared with non-problem drinkers, hazardous drinkers had elevated levels of both atherogenic and antiatherogenic lipid fractions, hazardous drinkers had only elevated levels of antiatherogenic fractions, and narcology patients had the lowest levels of atherogenic lipid fractions but elevated TG levels. Therefore, lipid profiles may reflect the level of alcohol consumption, which should be taken into account when assessing cardiovascular risk.

Evaluation of the Association Between Coffee Consumption, Including Type (Instant, Ground), and Addition of Milk or Sweeteners and New-Onset Hypertension and Potential Modifiers

BackgroundThe association between coffee consumption and incident hypertension remained inconsistent. ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the association of consumption of coffee, including different types (instant and ground) and with different additives, with new-onset hypertension, and evaluate whether genetic variation in caffeine metabolism and inflammation may modify the association. DesignThis study utilized a prospective cohort design. Participants/settingA total of 98 765 participants free of hypertension enrolled in the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010 were included. Dietary coffee consumption was collected using 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires. Main outcome measuresThe study outcome was new-onset hypertension, ascertained by self-reported medical conditions, hospital inpatient records, death registers, and primary care records. Statistical analyses performedCox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratio and 95% CI. Potential modifying effects were assessed by likelihood ratio testing. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 12.1 years, 7090 (7.2%) new-onset cases of hypertension were documented. Overall, regardless of coffee type (instant or ground) and whether adding milk to coffee, there was a U-shaped association between unsweetened coffee consumption and new-onset hypertension, with a 14% to 18% reduction of hypertension risk at >1 to ≤4 drinks per day, whereas a null association was observed between sweetened coffee consumption and the risk of new-onset hypertension. Relative to coffee nonconsumers, the adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of new-onset hypertension for participants who drinking unsweetened coffee 1 or fewer, >1 to 2, >2 to 3, >3 to 4, and >4 drinks/day were 0.92 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.00), 0.82 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.89), 0.86 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.96), 0.86 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.96), and 0.88 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.99), respectively. Moreover, a stronger inverse association between moderate consumption of unsweetened coffee and new-onset hypertension was found in participants with higher C-reactive protein levels (P for interaction =.012), whereas an individual’s genetic variation in caffeine metabolism did not significantly modify the association (P for interaction = .453). ConclusionsRegardless of the type of coffee (instant or ground) or the addition of milk to coffee, moderate consumption of unsweetened coffee (>1 to ≤4 drinks/day), but not sweetened coffee, was associated with a lower risk of new-onset hypertension.

ADHERENCE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

Introduction. Recommendations for the use of the Mediterranean diet apply to many nosologies, which made it expedient to consider the principles of such nutrition and adherence to it for patients with high cardiovascular risk. Objectives. In order to evaluate the nature of the diet of patients with high cardiovascular risk and their adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the principles of the diet were described according to the data from the Pubmed database. Adherence to and compliance with the principles of Mediterranean diet in patients with high cardiovascular risk were determined according to the Food Questionnaire in 29 outpatients with stable chronic forms of coronary heart disease and arterial hypertension: 18 men, 11 women aged 55.72±2.59 years with excessive body weight; the results were processed by the methods of variational statistics. Results. The Mediterranean diet is recommended for patients with high cardiovascular risk, excess body weight, steatotic liver disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, autoimmune changes in the thyroid gland, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and oncological processes. It is based on grains, cereals, vegetables and fruits, beans, nuts, and seeds; a small amount of meat, eggs, fish, and poultry; olive oil and moderate daily consumption of cheeses and yogurts. According to the Food Questionnaire, patients with a high cardiovascular risk are not sufficiently aware of the principles of this diet, do not fully follow the recommendations for replacing fats with extra virgin olive oil, do not consume enough fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grain pasta and hard cereals. In addition, they tend to consume meat, soft cereals, ordinary types of bread and pasta, sweets, carbonated beverages, beer, and spirits in excessive amounts or too often. Conclusions. Insufficient awareness and non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet require the activation of educational work to deepen knowledge about its principles and details.

Physical and Spiritual Nourishment in the Catechetical Homilies of John Chrysostom

This article explores the previously underexamined dimension of physical and spiritual nourishment in John Chrysostom’s catechetical homilies, addressing two central inquiries: 1) Chrysostom’s expectations for new church members’ approach to eating and drinking, and 2) the connection between nourishment and their life as members of the liturgical community. Through a systematic analysis, the study reveals a threefold approach to Question 1. Firstly, Chrysostom cautions against the abuse of sustenance, emphasizing its corruptive impact on both body and soul. Secondly, the author expounds upon the functions of nutritional moderation, using the concept of fasting as an image of salutary abstinence from sin. Thirdly, Chrysostom discusses spiritual nourishment, distributed through homiletical discourse and the Eucharist. Addressing Question 2, the study finds connections between hymnody and nutritional moderation, promoting an “angelic” lifestyle that prepares individuals for deeper spiritual nourishment. The article concludes by highlighting the universal applicability of Chrysostom’s teachings on nourishment, intended for all members of the Church, regardless of their level of spiritual maturity, guiding them from moderate consumption of physical sustenance to participation in spiritual nourishment and the pursuit of eternal life.

Effects of Coffee on Gut Microbiota and Bowel Functions in Health and Diseases: A Literature Review.

Background and objectives: As one of the most popular beverages in the world, coffee has long been known to affect bowel functions such as motility, secretion, and absorption. Recent evidence obtained in human and animal studies suggests that coffee has modulating impacts on gut microbiota. We aim to present an overview of the specific effects of coffee on gut microbiota composition, diversity, and growth. We will also critically review the impacts of coffee on bowel functions in health and diseases and discuss whether gut microbiota play a role in the coffee-associated functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: We searched the literature up to June 2024 through PubMed, Web of Science, and other sources using search terms such as coffee, caffeine, microbiota, gastrointestinal infection, motility, secretion, gut-brain axis, absorption, and medication interaction. Clinical research in patients and preclinical studies in rodent animals were included. Results: A majority of the studies found that moderate consumption of coffee (<4 cups a day) increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial phyla such as Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and decreased Bacteroidetes. Moderate coffee consumption also increased Bifidobacterium spp. and decreased the abundance of Enterobacteria. Coffee consumption is reported to increase gut microbiota diversity. Although the effects of coffee on bowel functions have been known for a long time, it is not until recently that we have recognized that some of the effects of coffee may be partly due to its impacts on microbiota. Conclusions: The current literature suggests that moderate coffee consumption has beneficial effects on oral and gut microbiota and motility function. However, excessive coffee intake (>5 cups a day) is implicated in reflux disorders, periodontal diseases, and progression of Crohn's disease. Further research in the field is needed, as there are many conflicting results regarding the impacts of coffee in the gastrointestinal tract.

Consumption of milk and other dairy products and incidence of Parkinson's disease: a prospective cohort study in French women.

Previous studies showed positive associations between milk intake and Parkinson's disease (PD) in men but not in women, but few studies were available in women. Due to the long prodromal PD phase, reverse causation represents a major threat to investigations of diet in PD; cohort studies with a long follow-up are needed. We investigated associations between intake of milk and other dairy products with PD incidence in women from the E3N cohort study (1993-2018). PD diagnoses were validated using medical records and drug claim databases. Diet was assessed via a dietary questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression models. Exposures were lagged by 5y in main analyses and longer lags in sensitivity analyses. We examined the impact of adjustment for premotor symptoms (constipation/depression). During a mean follow-up of 18.8y, 845 of 71,542 women developed PD. Main analyses showed a J-shaped association between total milk intake and PD (P-non linearity = 0.045), with a significant linear positive association among drinkers (HR/1-SD = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01-1.18, P = 0.024), that was explained in secondary analyses by a different pattern of association for plain milk (alone or with cereals) and milk added to drinks (tea/coffee/chicory). PD incidence increased significantly with plain milk consumption (HR/1-SD = 1.08 [1.02-1.14], P = 0.014). A U-shaped relation was observed for milk added to drinks (P-non linearity = 0.038), with lower PD incidence in women with moderate consumption (HR = 0.77 [0.61-0.97], P = 0.030) and no difference between non-drinkers and those with the highest consumption (HR = 0.98 [0.79-1.21], P = 0.848). Findings were similar in analyses using longer lags and adjusted for constipation/depression. Consumption of other dairy products was not associated with PD. A J-shaped association between total milk intake and PD was explained by a different pattern of association for plain milk intake and milk added to drinks. Reverse causation is unlikely to explain a positive association of plain milk with PD incidence in women. The U-shaped relation for milk added to drinks could be explained by an interaction between milk and coffee/tea/chicory. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

From Conventional to Craft Beer: Perception, Source, and Production of Beer Color-A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis.

Beer is a popular beverage consumed globally, and studies have emphasized the benefits of moderate consumption as well as its sensory effects on consumers. Color is a crucial sensory attribute, being the first aspect a consumer notices when assessing a beer's quality. This review seeks to offer detailed insights into how brewing methods, raw materials, and the chemical diversity of beer influence the production of beer color. The chemical mechanisms responsible for color development and how consumers and color systems perceive the color of beer were assessed. A systematic review following the PRISMA methodology, coupled with a bibliometric analysis, was performed using (Rayyan 2022) and (VOSviewer 1.6.20) software to assess and evaluate the scientific research retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. The findings highlight the significant roles of malt types, heat brewing processes, control of chemical parameters, and innovative brewing techniques in conventional beer color production. Novel chromophores like perlolyrine, pyrrolothiazolate, and furpenthiazinate are thought to affect Pilsen-style beers, along with melanoidins, Strecker aldehydes, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in conventional beers. In craft beers, such as fruit- or herb-based beers, flavonoids like anthocyanins, along with other natural pigments and synthetic colorants, are identified as the primary sources of color. However, studies related to the influence of chromophores like perlolyrine, pyrrolothiazolate, and furpenthiazinate on beer color are scarce, and emerging additives, such as pigments from microorganisms, spices, exotic herbs, and leaves of plants, on craft beer offer insights for future research.

Long-acting electrochemical lithium-recovery from original brine using super-stable spinel lithium manganate oxide

with the unprecedented demand for raw lithium, the spinel LiMn2O4 has been widely studied for electrochemical Li-recovery from salt-lake brines, but its industrialization is hindered by the poor cyclability induced by manganese dissolution and Jahn-Teller distortion within octahedral structure. In this work, Cr-doped and carbon-coated LiMn2O4 (C-LMO-Cr) electrodes prepared via coprecipitation-calcination method are employed to improve cycling stability and lithium selectivity for electrochemical Li-recovery. The results confirm the C-LMO-Cr electrode exhibits super-high retention rate of 98.76 % and 95.70 % of the initial capacity (27 mg·g−1) after 300 and 500 cycles, respectively. The carbon buffering on the C-LMO-Cr surface effectively impedes the initial manganese dissolution with the enhanced charge transfer. Moreover, the structural evolution from Raman/XPS analysis and theoretical calculations confirms that the shrinking lattice of the carbon-buffering LMO-Cr enhances Li+ selectivity and Li+ migration. When assembled in a hybrid capacitive deionization (HCDI) device, the optimal C-LMO-Cr electrode displays high adsorption capacity of ∼21 mg·g−1, moderate energy consumption of 13 Wh·mol−1(Li+) with a remarkable increase in Mg/Li ratio from 1.67 to 158 in the original brine from Jiezechaka. Therefore, these results demonstrate a promising potential of C-LMO-Cr electrodes for long-acting electrochemical lithium-recovery from original brines.

Development of dark chocolate with inulin and sweetened with stevia extract obtained by pressurized hot water

Because of its taste, texture, and aroma, chocolate is consumed as a way to generate pleasant sensations. Due to its high caloric density, moderate consumption is recommended. Seeking to offer the benefits of this product to a more selective public, the aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition and sensory properties of a sugar-free dark chocolate added with inulin and sweetened with stevia extract obtained by pressurized hot water, which was compared with a commercial dark chocolate and accompanied by a sensory analysis of the samples. A completely randomized statistical experimental design was used to compare the properties of the alternative and commercial chocolates. The treatments were carried out in triplicate and the results obtained were analyzed by descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance with 95 % confidence level. The results showed that the treatment of stevia leaves with hot pressurized water allowed an extraction of 41.51 g of steviol glycosides for rebaudioside A and 6.76 g for stevioside per 100 g of leaves subjected to processing. The chemical analysis of the alternative and commercial chocolates indicated that the fat and total dietary fiber contents showed no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) between the dark chocolates, unlike the other components. Moisture, ash, fat, and protein contents were slightly higher in the two types of chocolate, and carbohydrate content was 4.1 % lower than in the commercial chocolate. Both products had 0 % added sugars and high dietary fiber content (&gt; 37 %), and there was a reduction of 100 kcal/100 g compared to the commercial brand. Consumer sensory evaluation showed a higher level of liking (p &lt; 0.05) for the elaborated chocolate with respect to the commercial product in attributes such as appearance, color, and texture. These findings suggest the use of stevia extracts obtained by pressurized hot water as a non-caloric sweetener for healthy, alternative dark chocolates suitable for people with diabetes.

Effects of dietary intake on cognitive skills of physically challenged children.

Objective: To determine how a child’s dietary intake affected their growth and cognitive skills when physically challenged in Faisalabad City, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Setting: Tanzeem ul Lisan, the Government Special Education Center, Al Faisal Markaz e Nabina, and Government National Special Education Center. Period: January 2023 to December 2023. Method: One hundred special children were selected randomly, face-to-face interviews were conducted, and collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Indicated that male participants aged 10 to 15 years were prominent, whereas 20% each had ADHD, autism, blindness, and deafness. Many participants maintain an active or very active lifestyle despite a significant portion not engaging in regular exercise. Preference for home-cooked meals, moderate consumption of dietary supplements, variation in water intake, and frequency of eating out were found. Respondents' Common issues include difficulty making decisions, remembering personal information, and learning new content. Based on the results, cognitive training programs are recommended to increase awareness among children and their families. Conclusion: In the nutshell, results concluded that dietary intake of special children were associated with physical growth and cognitive skills. Majority of the children were not following normal dietary pattern and the chances of micronutrient deficiencies was higher. Results showed that socioeconomic conditions, type of disorder/ disability, low education of parents, awareness about good nutrition were significantly associated with healthy eating habits and physical growth of special children.

Unraveling tea and coffee consumption effects on cardiovascular diseases risk factors: A narrative review.

Daily lifestyle plays a vital role in modifying the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Our daily life isn't inseparable from nutrition intake. As such, tea and coffee are often regarded as the most consumed beverages worldwide. There have been a lot of debates on the adverse effects and benefits of consuming these popular beverages. This comprehensive review explores the different types of tea and coffee and their mechanism of action. It delves deeper into their roles in reducing CVD risk, aiding CVD recovery, lowering CVD mortality, and their varying effects across populations and regions. An extensive literature search was conducted on PubMed. Relevant articles were identified through cross-referencing and manual searches. Excluded from the study were commentaries, case reports, clinical vignettes, and non-English articles. Tea and coffee contain varying levels of caffeine and other bioactive compounds with cardioprotective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and more. Genetic factors further modulate their effects. Tea flavonoids benefit cholesterol, blood pressure, and endothelial function, while coffee constituents impact oxidative stress, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and gut flora. Moderate consumption of both beverages may offer cardiovascular benefits, but outcomes vary depending on populations and conditions. Tea and coffee consumption may influence CVD recovery by reducing mortality and improving survival, however, it must be noted that it has the potential to be harmful to some individuals. Evidence suggests that moderate consumption of these beverages may be linked to reduced cardiovascular mortality, although individual characteristics and pre-existing conditions can influence outcomes. Excessive caffeine consumption, found in both beverages, may pose risks such as arrhythmias, hypertension, and cardiovascular mortality in CVD patients, with a dose-dependent nature. Future research should delve into mechanisms, genetic factors, and diverse cultural impacts of its use. Health care providers should consider individual characteristics when advising on tea and coffee consumption in the context of cardiovascular health.

Placental and fetal enrichment of microplastics from disposable paper cups: implications for metabolic and reproductive health during pregnancy

The disposable paper cups (DPCs) release millions of microplastics (MPs) when used for hot beverages. However, the tissue-specific deposition and toxic effects of MPs and associated toxins remain largely unexplored, especially at daily consumption levels. We administered MPs and associated toxins extracted from leading brand DPCs to pregnant mice, revealing dose-responsive harmful effects on fetal development and maternal physiology. MPs were detected in all 13 examined tissues, with preferred depositions in the fetus, placenta, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart, contributing to impaired phenotypes. Brain tissues had the smallest MPs (90.35 % < 10 µm). A dose-responsive shift in the cecal microbiome from Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was observed, coupled with enhanced biosynthesis of microbial fatty acids. A moderate consumption of 3.3 cups daily was sufficient to alter the cecal microbiome, global metabolic functions, and immune health, as reflected by tissue-specific transcriptomic analyses in maternal blood, placenta, and mammary glands, leading to neurodegenerative and miscarriage risks. Gene-based benchmark dose framework analysis suggested a safe exposure limit of 2 to 4 cups/day in pregnant mice. Our results highlight tissue-specific accumulation and metabolic and reproductive toxicities in mice at DPC consumption levels presumed non-hazardous, with potential health implications for pregnant women and fetuses.

Exploring the ketogenic diet's potential in reducing neuroinflammation and modulating immune responses.

The ketogenic diet (KD) is marked by a substantial decrease in carbohydrate intake and an elevated consumption of fats and proteins, leading to a metabolic state referred to as "ketosis," where fats become the primary source of energy. Recent research has underscored the potential advantages of the KD in mitigating the risk of various illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, and cancer. The macronutrient distribution in the KD typically entails high lipid intake, moderate protein consumption, and low carbohydrate intake. Restricting carbohydrates to below 50 g/day induces a catabolic state, prompting metabolic alterations such as gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis. Ketogenesis diminishes fat and glucose accumulation as energy reserves, stimulating the production of fatty acids. Neurodegenerative diseases, encompassing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease are hallmarked by persistent neuroinflammation. Evolving evidence indicates that immune activation and neuroinflammation play a significant role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. The protective effects of the KD are linked to the generation of ketone bodies (KB), which play a pivotal role in this dietary protocol. Considering these findings, this narrative review seeks to delve into the potential effects of the KD in neuroinflammation by modulating the immune response. Grasping the immunomodulatory effects of the KD on the central nervous system could offer valuable insights into innovative therapeutic approaches for these incapacitating conditions.

Coconut Milk Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk in Thai Women: A Case-Control Study

Coconut milk contains plant-based saturated fat and phytochemicals with antioxidant activities. However, its role in breast cancer risk remains unclear. A case-control study was conducted on 244 participants to study the association. The Case group includes 61 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients receiving < 6 months of therapies. The Control group includes 183 healthy people with matched characteristics. A new questionnaire was developed, validated, and used in this study to estimate the frequency of coconut milk-containing food intake. Results show that the questionnaire has satisfactory content validity, test-retest reliability, and criterion-related validity. From the case-control study, either consuming 1–3 or 4–6 times/week of coconut-milk-containing curry or consuming 4–6 times/week of coconut milk-topped desserts are associated with increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 5.23, 5.6, and 2.6 respectively, p < 0.01). Consuming less than half of coconut milk liquid in desserts correlated with a reduced risk (OR = 0.43, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that moderate (less than half of a serving) and infrequent (less than once a week) consumption of coconut milk may be beneficial for breast cancer prevention. A larger scale study is warranted to confirm the findings and provide evidence for dietary recommendations.

Gene-Environment Interactions Significantly Alter the Obesity Risk of SH2B1 rs7498665 Carriers.

Src homology 2 B adaptor protein 1 (SH2B1) gene and variants have been found to be associated with common obesity. We aimed to investigate the association between the common missense variant SH2B1 rs7498665 and common obesity risk as well as interactions with lifestyle variables in an Israeli population. An adult cohort (n=3,070; ≥18 years) with the SH2B1 rs7498665 variant and lifestyle, behavior (online questionnaire), and blood glucose data was analyzed. Associations between this variant, obesity risk (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 and ≥30 kg/m2), and interactions with behavioral and lifestyle factors (stress levels, eating habits score [EHS], physical activity [PA], and wine consumption) were investigated. Association and gene-environment interactions were analyzed using binary logistic regressions with interaction. SH2B1 rs7498665 carriers were significantly (P<0.05) more likely to be overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) in recessive (odds ratio [OR], 1.90 and 1.36, respectively), additive (OR, 1.24 and 1.14, respectively), and codominant (OR, 2.00 and 1.41, respectively) genetic models. SH2B1 rs7498665 interacted with lifestyle and behavioral factors as well as glucose levels. PA and moderate wine consumption (1 to 3 drinks/week) reduced obesity risk (OR, 0.35 and 0.71, respectively). Conversely, carriers of two risk alleles who reported high stress levels, had ≥median EHS, and who had a fasting glucose level ≥90 mg/dL had a significantly increased obesity risk (OR, 3.63 and 5.82, respectively). Carrying SH2B1 rs7498665 significantly elevates the risk of obesity. Actionable lifestyle and behavioral factors significantly modulate the rs7498665 genetic predisposition to obesity; PA and moderate wine consumption attenuate the risk, while high stress, EHS, and fasting glucose level increase the obesity risk.