Food Intake Patterns Research Articles

Chrononutrition and Mental Health: Exploring Links Between Eating Patterns Circadian Rhythms and Psychological Well-being

This study investigates the relationship between chrononutrition—timing and patterns of food intake—and mental health, focusing on how circadian rhythms influence psychological well-being. Using a qualitative approach, this literature review synthesizes recent research exploring the connections between eating patterns, biological rhythms, and mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and overall mood stability. Findings indicate that irregular eating times, late-night meals, and skipping meals disrupt circadian alignment, potentially leading to mood dysregulation and decreased psychological resilience. Conversely, eating in sync with the body’s natural circadian rhythms appears to support mental health, with regular meal timing shown to enhance mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. The review also highlights the importance of specific nutrients in promoting stable circadian cycles, suggesting that diets rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and certain vitamins may aid in stabilizing mood. These findings underscore the need for an integrative approach to nutrition and mental health that considers both the timing and composition of meals. This review provides valuable insights into the emerging field of chrononutrition, emphasizing the potential of circadian-aligned eating as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for mental health. Further qualitative studies are recommended to explore individualized chrononutrition interventions and their effects on mental well-being across diverse populations.

Hepatic vagal afferents convey clock-dependent signals to regulate circadian food intake.

Circadian desynchrony induced by shiftwork or jet lag is detrimental to metabolic health, but how synchronous or desynchronous signals are transmitted among tissues is unknown. We report that liver molecular clock dysfunction is signaled to the brain through the hepatic vagal afferent nerve (HVAN), leading to altered food intake patterns that are corrected by ablation of the HVAN. Hepatic branch vagotomy also prevents food intake disruptions induced by high-fat diet feeding and reduces body weight gain. Our findings reveal a homeostatic feedback signal that relies on communication between the liver and the brain to control circadian food intake patterns. This identifies the hepatic vagus nerve as a potential therapeutic target for obesity in the setting of chronodisruption.

Health-related quality of life and nutrient intake of the elderly with type 2 diabetes according to comorbidity burden: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the cross-sectional association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) according to the number of comorbidities in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using the Euro Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index. Methods: This study included 3,553 participants aged ≥ 65 years from the 2008–2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dietary data were collected through 24-hour recall interviews by trained researchers, and demographic and lifestyle information via self-administered questionnaires. HRQoL was measured using a modified EQ-5D scale. Multivariable linear regression analyzed the associations between EQ-5D scores, nutrients and comorbidity, controlling for sociodemographic and health variables. Results: Most participants reported ‘no problems’ in the EQ-5D scores, although approximately 17% to 47% of participants reported ‘some problems’ or ‘extreme problems,’ depending on the dimension. As comorbidities increased, significant declines were observed across all dimensions, particularly in mobility, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/ depression. Nutrient intake analysis revealed that participants with three or more comorbidities consumed less carbohydrates, but more fat. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that among older adults with T2DM, a higher number of comorbidities is associated with decreased HRQoL. Additionally, there are differences in nutrient intake patterns among those with more comorbidities, specifically decreased carbohydrate intake and increased fat intake. These results emphasize the need for comprehensive and tailored management strategies that consider both diabetes and the co-occurring health conditions. By addressing the complex healthcare needs of individuals with multiple comorbidities, it is possible to enhance their HRQoL and overall well-being.

Cholecystokinin-expressing neurons of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus control energy homeostasis.

The hypothalamus is the primary center of the brain that regulates energy homeostasis. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) plays a central role in maintaining energy balance by regulating food intake, energy expenditure, and glucose levels. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying its functions are still poorly understood. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is one of many genes expressed in this hypothalamic nucleus. Peripheral CCK regulates food intake, body weight, and glucose homeostasis. However, current research does not explain the function of CCK neurons in specific nuclei of the hypothalamus and their likely roles in network dynamics related to energy balance and food intake. This study uses genetic and pharmacological methods to examine the role of CCK-expressing neurons in the VMH (CCKVMH). Namely, using a previously generated BAC transgenic line expressing Cre recombinase under the CCK promoter, we performed targeted manipulations of CCKVMH neurons. Histological and transcriptomic database analysis revealed extensive distribution of these neurons in the VMH, with significant heterogeneity in gene expression related to energy balance, including co-expression with PACAP and somatostatin. Pharmacogenetic acute inhibition via Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) resulted in increased food intake and altered meal patterns, characterized by higher meal frequency and shorter intermeal intervals. Furthermore, diphtheria toxin-mediated ablation of CCKVMH neurons led to significant weight gain and hyperphagia over time, increasing meal size and duration. These mice also exhibited impaired glucose tolerance, indicative of disrupted glucose homeostasis. Our findings underscore the integral role of CCKVMH neurons in modulating feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, and glucose regulation. This study enhances our understanding of the neurohormonal mechanisms underlying obesity and metabolic disorders, providing potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Association between empirically derived nutrient patterns and breast cancer: a case–control study in a Middle Eastern country

PurposeThe risk of breast cancer (BC) and related mortality have increased in Middle-East countries during recent decades. The relationship between several nutrient intakes and the risk of BC has been investigated in several studies. However, few studies have estimated the effects of patterns of different nutrient intake on the risk of BC in this region.MethodsA total of 453 patients who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and 516 healthy women participated in the current case–control study. To evaluate the dietary intakes, we used a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) during the last year. Nutrient Patterns (NPs) were extracted through factor analysis (FA) of energy-adjusted twenty-six nutrients. The relationship between nutrient patterns and the risk of breast cancer in pre and post-menopausal women was estimated by multivariable regression.ResultsFour major nutrient patterns were identified in the current study. The first nutrient pattern was rich in animal protein, retinol, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, and calcium. Higher saturated fatty acids (SFAs), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and trans fatty acids (TFAs), and lower intakes of niacin were observed in nutrient pattern 2. The third nutrient pattern was rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Nutrient pattern 4, was associated with higher intakes of vegetable protein, alpha-tocopherol, and magnesium. A significant inverse relationship was observed between adherence to nutrient pattern 3 and the risk of BC in all participants [odds ratio (OR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50, 0.97, P = 0.03) and pre-menopausal women (OR = 0.59 (0.39–0.89), P = 0.01).ConclusionDecreasing odds of breast cancer were observed by adherence to a nutrient pattern high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Future prospective investigations are recommended to confirm these findings.

Nutrients, Diet Quality, and Dietary Patterns in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comparative Analysis.

(1) Background: Diet plays an important role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are a number of methods available to assess the diets of patients with IBD, including nutrients, dietary patterns, and various appraisal tools of diet quality. However, research on diet quality and dietary patterns in IBD populations is limited, and comparative evaluations of dietary intake in patients with IBD have not been performed. (2) Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess nutrients, the dietary patterns, and diet quality of patients with IBD and to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, diet quality, and the adequacy of nutrient intake. (3) Methods: Three-day food records of 268 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 126 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) were collected to estimate nutrients and food groups, while dietary quality was assessed using the Dietary Inflammation Index (DII) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA). Participants' nutrient intake, diet quality, and dietary patterns were compared. We used binary logistic regression to assess the relationship between dietary patterns (independent variable) and nutritional adequacy (dependent variable). (4) Results: In our sample, patients had inadequate energy, protein, and dietary fiber intake compared with Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI). Regarding micronutrients, intakes of potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, sodium, calcium, iron, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin were inadequate. Regarding food groups, the highest intakes were fruits, legumes, dairy products, and nuts. PCA revealed four dietary patterns, namely DP1, DP2, DP3, and DP4. Among UC patients, 96, 55, 69, and 48 patients adhered to DP1, DP2, DP3, and DP4 dietary patterns, respectively. Among CD patients, 41, 31, 34, and 20 patients complied with the dietary patterns of DP1, DP2, DP3, and DP4, respectively. There was no significant difference in dietary patterns between UC and CD patients. Compared with DP4 (high intake of mixed legumes and low intake of tubers), DP1 (high intake of cereals, tubers, vegetables and eggs) was more likely to ensure adequate intake of energy (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.55, 5.62), protein (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.06, 3.96), carbohydrates (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.51, 6.59), thiamine (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.36,4.93), niacin (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.39, 5.42), phosphorus (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.08, 3.85), zinc (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.28, 4.63), and manganese (OR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.60, 5.90), and DP2 (high intake of fruits, poultry, aquatic products, and nuts) was more likely to meet niacin requirements than DP4 (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.28, 5.48). (5) Conclusion: This study clarifies our understanding of dietary intake, diet quality, and dietary patterns in adult patients with IBD. Future attention is needed to improve diet quality, emphasizing the importance of assessing and understanding patient dietary habits and increasing understanding of the factors that influence dietary intake in IBD in order to achieve optimal outcomes for patients with IBD.

Gut-Microbiota-Related Metabolite Phenylacetylglutamine and Risk of Incident Coronary Heart Disease among Women.

Phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) is a novel metabolite derived from gut microbial metabolism of dietary proteins, specifically phenylalanine, which may be linked to risks of adverse cardiovascular events. We investigated whether higher plasma levels of PAGln were associated with a greater risk of incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and tested whether adherence to a plant-based diet, which characterizes habitual dietary patterns of animal and plant food intake, modified the associations. We examined associations between plasma PAGln and risk of incident CHD over 11-16 years in a nested case-control study of 1520 women (760 incident cases and 760 controls) from the Nurses' Health Study. Separately, we analyzed relations between PAGln and dietary intakes measured through dietary records in the Women's Lifestyle Validation Study (n=725). Higher PAGln levels were related to a greater risk of CHD (p <0.05 for dose-response relationship). Higher PAGln was associated with greater red/processed meat intake and lower vegetable intake (p <0.05 for all). We found a significant interaction between PAGln and adherence to plant-based diet index (PDI) on CHD (Pinteraction=0.008); higher PAGln levels were associated with an increased risk of CHD (relative risk per 1 SD: 1.22 [95% CI: 1.05, 1.41]) among women with low PDI but not among those with high PDI. Higher PAGln was associated with higher risk of CHD, particularly in women with dietary patterns of eating more animal foods and fewer plant-based foods. Adherence to plant-based diets might attenuate unfavorable associations between a novel microbial metabolite and CHD risk.

Toward a science-based classification of processed foods to support meaningful research and effective health policies.

Processed foods have been part of the American diet for decades, with key roles in providing a safe, available, affordable, and nutritious food supply. The USDA Food Guides beginning in 1916 and the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) since 1980 have included various types of commonly consumed processed foods (e.g., heated, fermented, dried) as part of their recommendations. However, there are multiple classification systems based on "level" of food processing, and additional evidence is needed to establish the specific properties of foods classified as "highly" or "ultra"-processed (HPF/UPFs). Importantly, many foods are captured under HPF/UPF definitions, ranging from ready-to-eat fortified whole grain breakfast cereals to sugar-sweetened beverages and baked goods. The consequences of implementing dietary guidance to limit all intake of foods currently classified as HPF/UPF may require additional scrutiny to evaluate the impact on consumers' ability to meet daily nutrient recommendations and to access affordable food, and ultimately, on health outcomes. Based on a meeting held by the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences in May 2023, this paper provides perspectives on the broad array of foods classified as HPF/UPFs based on processing and formulation, including contributions to nutrient intake and dietary patterns, food acceptability, and cost. Characteristics of foods classified as UPF/HPFs are considered, including the roles and safety approval of food additives and the effect of food processing on the food matrix. Finally, this paper identifies information gaps and research needs to better understand how the processing of food affects nutrition and health outcomes.

Associations of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Patterns With Serum Folate Levels Among Pregnant Women With Pre-pregnancy Obesity in Taiwan

Associations of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Patterns With Serum Folate Levels Among Pregnant Women With Pre-pregnancy Obesity in Taiwan

The Conservation Implications of the Gut Microbiome for Protecting the Critically Endangered Gray Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi).

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism, facilitating nutrient absorption, and supporting immune function, thereby assisting the host in adapting to seasonal dietary changes. Here, we compare the gut microbiome composition of wild gray snub-nosed monkeys during winter (from October to December) and spring (from January to March) to understand differences in seasonal nutrient intake patterns. Snub-nosed monkeys are foregut fermenters and consume difficult-to-digest carbohydrates and lichen. To examine the digestive adaptations of gray snub-nosed monkeys, we collected 14 fresh fecal samples for DNA analysis during the winter and spring. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomic sequencing, and functional metagenomic analyses, we identified that Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Bacteroidetes constitute a keystone bacterial group in the gut microbiota during winter and spring and are responsible for degrading cellulose. Moreover, the transition in dietary composition from winter to spring was accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition, demonstrating adaptive responses to varying food sources and availability. In winter, the bacterial species of the genera Streptococcus were found in higher abundance. At the functional level, these bacteria are involved in fructose and mannose metabolism and galactose metabolism c-related pathways, which facilitate the breakdown of glycogen, starch, and fiber found in fruits, seeds, and mature leaves. During spring, there was an increased abundance of bacteria species from the Prevotella and Lactobacillus genera, which aid the digestion of protein-rich buds. Combined, these findings reveal how the gut microbiota adjusts to fluctuations in energy balance and nutrient intake across different seasons in this critically endangered species. Moreover, we also identified Pseudomonas in two samples; the presence of potential pathogens within the gut could pose a risk to other troop members. Our findings highlight the necessity of a conservation plan that focuses on protecting vegetation and implementing measures to prevent disease transmission for this critically endangered species.

Comparison of food intake pattern of diabetic patients and healthy individuals in a sample of Saudi population: a case-control study

BackgroundThere has been a significant rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with the condition reaching epidemic proportions globally. This study examined the dietary pattern of a sample of Saudi Arabian adults with T2DM compared to control non-diabetics.MethodsData from 414 participants, 207 control and 207 T2DM was analyzed. Anthropometric measurements, foods intake such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fried foods, sweetened juice, sweets, and pastries consumption as well as physical activity were obtained by an interview-survey.ResultsThe consumption of vegetables, green and leafy vegetables, starchy vegetables, fruits, proteins, and milk was significantly higher in the diabetics (p< 0.0001 for all and p<0.01 for starchy vegetables). Of the case group, 79.7% of them consumed whole-wheat bread while 54.6% of them consumed low fat milk (p<0.0001). There was a significant decrease in the percentage of cases who consumed discretionary foods and sweetened juices and soft drinks (24.1%), avoided sweets (75.8%) and pastries (37.1%), (p<0.0001). There were also significant increases in the percentages of participants who use healthy fat (as olive oil) in the case group (78.7%) (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of diabetics who followed a diet to lose weight (15%) (p<0.05). The majority of the two study groups were physically inactive (control 95.2% & case 94.2%).ConclusionsThe results of this study provide insight on that diabetics generally follow a healthy diet, yet their engagement in physical activity may not be optimal.

Reestablishment of ad libitum feeding following partial food deprivation: Impact on locomotor activity, visceral fat, food intake, and circadian glycemic curve

ABSTRACT Food deprivation has been associated with the development of metabolic pathologies. Few studies have explored the repercussions of a partial food deprivation following the reestablishment of an ad libitum diet. This study investigates the impact of a partial food deprivation (an 8-hour food intake restriction coupled with a 4-hour feeding window during the active phase) and the subsequent return to ad libitum feeding on the glycemic curve, food intake, and locomotor behavior. Wistar rats aged 45 days were subjected to 6 weeks of a partial food deprivation followed by 6 weeks of ad libitum feeding. Body weight, visceral fat, food intake, circadian glycemia, oral glucose tolerance, and locomotor activity were evaluated. It was found that the partial food deprivation resulted in the reduction of both the body weight and food intake; however, it increased visceral fat by 60%. Circadian glycemic values were altered at all intervals during the light phase, and glucose sensitivity improved at 60 minutes in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In the food-deprived group, the locomotor activity rhythm was reduced, with an observed delay in the peak of activity, reduction in total activity, and a decrease in the rhythmicity percentage. After the reestablishment of the ad libitum feeding, there was recovery of body weight, no difference in visceral fat, normalization of the food intake pattern, circadian glycemia, and oral glucose tolerance. Additionally, the return to ad libitum feeding restored locomotor activity, although the duration required for its complete recovery warrants further investigation. In conclusion, partial food deprivation induces physio-metabolic changes in rats, most of which are reversed after reestablishing ad libitum feeding.

Obesity and diffusion-weighted imaging of subcortical grey matter in young and older adults

Obesity and hypothalamic inflammation are causally related. It is unclear whether this neuroinflammation precedes or results from obesity. Animal studies show that an increase in food intake can lead to hypothalamic inflammation, but hypothalamic inflammation can create a feedback loop that further increases food intake. Internal and external factors mediate patterns of food intake and how it can affect the hypothalamus. Measures of water diffusivity in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain such as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), axial diffusivity (AD) are associated with grey matter inflammation. Here, we investigated how those measures are associated with obesity-related variables in groups of young and older adults. We found relationships between decreased diffusivity and obesity markers in young adults. In older adults, obesity and comorbidities were also related to significant changes in diffusivity. Here, diffusivity was strongly associated with body mass index (BMI) and blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in multiple subcortical regions, rather than only the hypothalamus. Our results suggest that diffusivity measures can be used to investigate obesity-associated changes in the brain that can potentially reflect neuroinflammation. The connection seen between subcortical inflammation and obesity opens the conversation on preventative interventions needed to reduce the effects of obesity at all stages in life.

#2420 A comparative analysis of food intake according to the degree of dietary compliance among Korean hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background and Aims Food intake management plays a crucial role in the treatment of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Maintaining a balanced diet involves adequate protein intake, sufficient calorie consumption, and restriction of water, sodium, and potassium intake. This study aims to highlight the significance of balanced dietary management by comparing and analyzing differences in food intake patterns among Korean HD patients based on the levels of dietary adherence. Throughout our analysis, we suggest the importance of balanced food intake management for HD patients. Method The data were collected through a survey conducted among 442 HD patients across 18 university hospitals nationwide. The survey employed the dietary adherence and the food intake frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. The analysis method was K-means cluster analysis to classify the degree of dietary adherence into high-adherence and low-adherence. In addition, cross-analysis and independent samples t-test were utilized to compare differences between the groups in demographic characteristics, general health and nutritional status, laboratory data, and food intake frequency. Results Gender distribution revealed 257 males (59.4%) and 176 females (40.6%). The age distribution was as follows: 50-64 years old, 179 individuals (40.8%); 30-49 years old, 97 individuals (22.1%); 65–74 years old, 97 individuals (22.1%); 75 years and above, 52 individuals (11.8%). BMI determination resulted in the following order: underweight - normal in 207 people (48.8%); obese - severely obese in 123 people (29.0%); and overweight in 94 people (22.2%). Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) indicated that 296 individuals (73.3%) were in good nutritional status, while 108 individuals (26.7%) were in fair nutritional status. The duration of HD was distributed as follows: 135 patients (32.1%) for 1–3 years, 103 patients (24.5%) for 5–10 years, 82 patients (19.5%) for 3–5 years, and 66 patients (15.7%) for 10 years or longer. The subjects were clustered into two groups based on their dietary compliance: high adherence and low adherence. The dietary compliance scores, on a scale of 22 points, were 13.63 ± 1.475 for the high adherence group and 9.15 ± 1.681 for the low adherence group. In the high adherence group, uric acid (p &amp;lt; 0.01), serum creatinine (p &amp;lt; 0.01), intact PTH (p &amp;lt; 0.01), TIBC (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and glucose (p &amp;lt; 0.05) were significantly lower than those parameters in the low adherence group. The frequency of daily food intake was also analyzed according to the dietary adherence. The high adherence group showed significantly higher frequencies in rice(p &amp;lt; 0.001), white fish(p &amp;lt; 0.05), low-potassium vegetables(p &amp;lt; 0.01), mushrooms(p &amp;lt; 0.01), low-fat milk(p &amp;lt; 0.01), liquid yogurt(p &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to the low adherence group. On the other hand, the high adherence group showed lower consumptions of foods, such as gimbap, bibimbap (p &amp;lt; 0.05), noodle soup(p &amp;lt; 0.01), bread(p &amp;lt; 0.05), fruit juice(p &amp;lt; 0.05), and tea(p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusion The high-adherence group exhibited significantly satisfactory blood parameters and food intake status, highlighting the pivotal role of dietary compliance. Consequently, adhering to dietary guidelines is essential for ensuring sufficient nutrient intake and overall health among HD patients.

Is There a Connection between Hyperhomocysteinemia and the Cardiometabolic Syndrome?

This study investigates the distribution of hyperhomocysteinemia and cardiovascular metabolic syndrome (SM) among participants, shedding light on their prevalence and co-occurrence within the study cohort. Through an analysis of demographic characteristics and health parameters, including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), alongside nutritional data, correlations between these factors and health risks are explored. Results reveal a notable prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, with 45.3% of participants exhibiting this condition. Furthermore, 31.4% of the cohort does not present hyperhomocysteinemia or SM, while 23.3% shows SM without hyperhomocysteinemia. The study underscores gender-specific dietary recommendations due to significant variations in nutrient intake patterns. Additionally, inverse correlations between health risks like obesity, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia and nutrient requirements highlight the need for tailored dietary interventions. Age-related changes in nutrient needs and the positive correlation between physical activity levels and certain nutrient demands further emphasize the importance of personalized dietary strategies. Variations in nutrient intake by gender, inverse correlations with health risks, and age-related changes underscore the need for tailored dietary strategies. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals in developing targeted nutritional interventions to mitigate disease risk and promote overall health and well-being.

Deletion of the Clock Gene Bmal2 Leads to Alterations in Hypothalamic Clocks, Circadian Regulation of Feeding, and Energy Balance.

BMAL2 (ARNTL2) is a paralog of BMAL1 that can form heterodimers with the other circadian factors CLOCK and NPAS2 to activate transcription of clock and clock-controlled genes. To assess a possible role of Bmal2 in the circadian regulation of metabolism, we investigated daily variations of energy metabolism, feeding behavior, and locomotor behavior, as well as ability to anticipate restricted food access in male mice knock-out for Bmal2 (B2KO). While their amount of food intake and locomotor activity were normal compared with wild-type mice, B2KO mice displayed increased adiposity (1.5-fold higher) and fasted hyperinsulinemia (fourfold higher) and tended to have lower energy expenditure at night. Impairment of the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei was evidenced by the shorter free-running period (-14 min/cycle) of B2KO mice compared with wild-type controls and by a loss of daily rhythmicity in expression of intracellular metabolic regulators (e.g., Lipoprotein lipase and Uncoupling protein 2). The circadian window of eating was longer in B2KO mice. The circadian patterns of food intake and meal numbers were bimodal in control mice but not in B2KO mice. In response to restricted feeding, food-anticipatory activity was almost prevented in B2KO mice, suggesting altered food clock that controls anticipation of food availability. In the mediobasal hypothalamus of B2KO mice, expression of genes coding orexigenic neuropeptides (including Neuropeptide y and Agouti-Related Peptide) was downregulated, while Lipoprotein lipase expression lost its rhythmicity. Together, these data highlight that BMAL2 has major impacts on brain regulation of metabolic rhythms, sleep-wake cycle, and food anticipation.

The Relationship between Chronic Energy Deficiency and the Incidence of Anemia in Female Adolescent in Stunting Locus Areas

Background: Adolescent girls are a group that is prone to anemia, so they are at risk of giving birth to stunted children. This study aims to analyze the factors most associated with the incidence of anemia in adolescent girls in the stunting locus area. Subjects and Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Patokaan Village, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi. A total of 50 adolescent girls were selected in this study. The dependent variable was anemia. The independent variables were nutritional status, Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED), nutrient intake (Fe, protein, vitamin C), body perception (Body Image), nutritional knowledge, and menstrual patterns based. The variables studied were anemia based on laboratory examination, nutritional status according to BMI/A and CED using anthropometric methods, nutrient intake (Fe, protein, vitamin C) using 24-hour recall, body perception (Body Image), nutritional knowledge, and menstrual patterns based on questionnaire interviews. Fisher's Exact Test was used for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results: Adolescent girls with CED have a 5.21 times risk of experiencing anemia compared to those without CED, and this result was statistically significant (aOR= 5.21; 95% CI= 1.01 to 26.83; p = 0.048). Conclusion: CED is associate with anemia in adolescent girls in the stunting locus area. This study is expected to be useful for the North Minahasa District Health Office as input for policy makers, planning, and implementing public health nutrition programs. Keywords: anemia, chronic energy deficiency, adolescent girls. Correspondence:Nancy S. H. Malonda. Study Program of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Sam Ratulangi, Manado, Indonesia. Email: nancymalonda@unsrat.ac.id.

Investigating the Influence of Heavy Metals and Environmental Factors on Metabolic Syndrome Risk Based on Nutrient Intake: Machine Learning Analysis of Data from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

This study delves into the complex interrelations among nutrient intake, environmental exposures (particularly to heavy metals), and metabolic syndrome. Utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), machine learning techniques were applied to analyze associations in a cohort of 5719 participants, categorized into four distinct nutrient intake phenotypes. Our findings reveal that different nutrient intake patterns are associated with varying levels of heavy metal exposure and metabolic health outcomes. Key findings include significant variations in metal levels (Pb, Hg, Cd, Ni) across the clusters, with certain clusters showing heightened levels of specific metals. These variations were associated with distinct metabolic health profiles, including differences in obesity, diabetes prevalence, hypertension, and cholesterol levels. Notably, Cluster 3, characterized by high-energy and nutrient-rich diets, showed the highest levels of Pb and Hg exposure and had the most concerning metabolic health indicators. Moreover, the study highlights the significant impact of lifestyle habits, such as smoking and eating out, on nutrient intake phenotypes and associated health risks. Physical activity emerged as a critical factor, with its absence linked to imbalanced nutrient intake in certain clusters. In conclusion, our research underscores the intricate connections among diet, environmental factors, and metabolic health. The findings emphasize the need for tailored health interventions and policies that consider these complex interplays, potentially informing future strategies to combat metabolic syndrome and related health issues.

Towards objective measurements of habitual dietary intake patterns: comparing NMR metabolomics and food frequency questionnaire data in a population-based cohort

BackgroundLow-quality, non-diverse diet is a main risk factor for premature death. Accurate measurement of habitual diet is challenging and there is a need for validated objective methods. Blood metabolite patterns reflect direct or enzymatically diet-induced metabolites. Here, we aimed to evaluate associations between blood metabolite patterns and a priori and data-driven food intake patterns.Methods1, 895 participants in the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study, a population-based prospective cohort study, were included. Fasting plasma samples were analyzed with 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Food intake data from a 64-item validated food frequency questionnaire were summarized into a priori Healthy Diet Score (HDS), relative Mediterranean Diet Score (rMDS) and a set of plant-based diet indices (PDI) as well as data driven clusters from latent class analyses (LCA). Orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) were used to explore clustering patterns of metabolites and their relation to reported dietary intake patterns.ResultsAge, sex, body mass index, education and year of study participation had significant influence on OPLS metabolite models. OPLS models for healthful PDI and LCA-clusters were not significant, whereas for HDS, rMDS, PDI and unhealthful PDI significant models were obtained (CV-ANOVA p < 0.001). Still, model statistics were weak and the ability of the models to correctly classify participants into highest and lowest quartiles of rMDS, PDI and unhealthful PDI was poor (50%/78%, 42%/75% and 59%/70%, respectively).ConclusionAssociations between blood metabolite patterns and a priori as well as data-driven food intake patterns were poor. NMR metabolomics may not be sufficiently sensitive to small metabolites that distinguish between complex dietary intake patterns, like lipids.

Limitations and opportunities for the appropriation of the Mediterranean diet in Chilean adults with diagnostic elements of metabolic syndrome

Background: a healthy food intake pattern, specifically the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), is a factor associated with reduced risk, lower prevalence, and better management of chronic diseases. However, there is limited information regarding how patients integrate proposals for adherence to this food pattern in their daily lives. Objective: to identify factors and conditions that influence adherence to the MedDiet in Chile. Methods: an exploratory qualitative study was applied in 35 to 65-year-old patients of both sexes who presented at least one diagnostic criterion of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Through in-depth interviews and focal groups, knowledge, assessment, attitudes, and practices associated with changes and maintenance of healthy eating habits, with emphasis on the MedDiet, were investigated. Information analysis was carried out under the grounded theory approach using the ATLAS.ti software. Results: participants recognized the value of healthy eating, including the MedDiet, but declared low knowledge (identification of single foods items) together with facilitators (variety of ingredients) and limiting factors (taste, availability/cost of some items, family dynamics) for its routine adoption. In addition, change in eating habits generates a high initial cognitive and emotional load that requires not only individual but also relational effort as it implies modifications of family and collective practices. Conclusions: information obtained on barriers and opportunities to adhere to healthy eating such as the MedDiet is key to design and implement nutritional interventions based on this food pattern and that can be sustainable in time for chronic disease management in Chile.