Food Intake Research Articles

Secretin infusion decreases food intake in healthy men – a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study

Abstract Design The hormone secretin, best known for regulating pH in the duodenum, has anorectic properties in mice proposedly mediated via secretin-induced brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation. We investigated the effects of exogenous secretin on ad libitum food intake, BAT activity, and postprandial physiology in healthy male volunteers. Methods In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, 25 healthy men underwent two 5-hour i.v. infusions of secretin (1 pmol/kg/min) and placebo (saline), respectively, with an interposed two-month wash-out period. After 30 min of infusion, a standardized liquid mixed meal was ingested and after 5 hours, food intake and meal duration were assessed during an ad libitum meal test. BAT activity was assessed regularly by thermal imaging-measured supraclavicular skin temperature. Results Compared to placebo, secretin significantly decreased ad libitum food intake by 173 ± 88 kcal [95% CI 0.76 to 0.99, P = 0.039], but did not alter ad libitum meal duration. Secretin acutely decreased BAT activity but increased it postprandially compared to placebo. Acetaminophen-assessed gastric emptying was not affected by exogenous secretin, but secretin increased gallbladder volume, bile acid synthesis, and circulating levels of lipase, amylase and triglycerides, while decreasing plasma Na+. Compared to placebo, secretin infusion was associated with 24.0 ± 10.8% (95% CI 0.3 to 1, P = 0.025) more adverse events (headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting). Conclusions In healthy men, secretin infusion decreased ad libitum food intake concomitantly with a postprandial increase in BAT activity as assessed by thermal imaging-measured supraclavicular skin temperature. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04613700

Is glucose‐induced hypersecretion of glicentin after the revision surgery using Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass related to improved glycemic control due to insulin hypersecretion in a type 2 diabetes patient without diabetes remission after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?

ABSTRACTWe report case details of a morbidly obese patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who became a failure of diabetes remission after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). He had a marked improvement of hyperglycemia after the revision surgery using Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), where passage failure of a solid food intake at the gastric angle portion disappeared after the revision surgery. Interestingly, he showed improvements of insulin and a marked glicentin secretions with minor changes in glucagon related peptide 1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretions in the oral glucose tolerance test OGTT after the RYGB surgery compared with post‐LSG. Although a marked increase in glucose‐induced glicentin secretion after RYGB surgery with increased insulin secretion, further studies are needed to confirm if the increased glicentin secretion after RYGB surgery is linked to stimulation of insulin secretion.

Abstract PR008: Cross-talk between metastatic cells and host systems: Neutrophil metabolic adaptation, immune profiling, and systemic metabolic shifts in tumor progression and cachexia

Abstract Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent type of head and neck cancer with a high mortality rate, partly due to late diagnosis often accompanied by metastasis. Cachexia, a complex syndrome marked by severe weight loss and muscle wasting, frequently accompanies advanced cancers including OSCC. Notably, 50-70% of OSCC patients exhibit cachexia at diagnosis, which persists post-treatment, hinting at a metastatic contribution to this syndrome. One significant challenge in studying cancer cachexia is the lack of well-characterized pre-clinical models that accurately reflect human disease. Traditional mouse models often involve subcutaneously transplanted cells, which fail to mimic the natural tumor-host interactions and metastatic progression seen in patients. These models do not typically exhibit metastasis and differ significantly from the genetic and molecular landscape of human cancers. To address these limitations, we developed a syngeneic mouse model by orthotopically transplanting MOC2 murine OSCC cells into the tongues of B6J mice, thereby closely mimicking the tumor microenvironment and metastatic behavior of human OSCC. By enhancing metastasis with a palm-enriched high-fat diet, we observed progressive tumor growth, metastasis, and body weight loss, independent of food intake reduction, indicating metabolic dysregulation rather than anorexia. Comprehensive analyses, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) of immune cells and transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of tumor and host tissues, identified significant gene expression changes associated with metastasis and cachexia. Enhanced metastasis correlated with lipid metabolism changes in lung metastases, suggesting that metastatic cells exploit lipids for growth. Further, immune profiling revealed neutrophils' metabolic adaptation in metastasis, with implications for both tumor progression and cachexia. Targeting key metabolic and inflammatory pathways in tumor and immune cells holds potential for mitigating metastasis and cachexia. Early-stage serum metabolomics indicated systemic metabolic shifts, emphasizing the need to understand the interplay between tumor metastasis and host metabolism. These findings underscore the complex mechanisms underlying OSCC-induced cachexia, and the need for new targeted therapeutic strategies to disrupt this lethal synergy between cancer progression and metabolic deterioration of the host. Citation Format: Blanca Majem, Josefina Martin, Liudmila Shevkova, Claudia Bigas, Gloria Pascual, Salvador Aznar-Benitah. Cross-talk between metastatic cells and host systems: Neutrophil metabolic adaptation, immune profiling, and systemic metabolic shifts in tumor progression and cachexia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Tumor-body Interactions: The Roles of Micro- and Macroenvironment in Cancer; 2024 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(22_Suppl):Abstract nr PR008.

Adolescents’ Experiences in Managing Type 1 Diabetes

Objectives − This study examined perceived changes in diabetes management among adolescents with type 1 diabetes as they transition from childhood to adolescence, focusing on self-management, parental involvement, physical activity, and treatment reflections.Patients and Methods − Qualitative description employing individual semi-structured interviews was utilized with 19 adolescents. Interview data were processed using a content analysis approach.Results − Most adolescents managed their diabetes independently, drawing from years of experience. While some adhered to medical advice, others made independent decisions, prioritizing convenience, or habits. Parental roles varied, from regular supervision to granting autonomy. Many adolescents appreciated parental support, feeling it provided security, though some experienced it as overbearing or insufficient. They had increased independence in managing their diabetes as they grew older. Acceptance of the disease improved with time, aided by technological advancements. Challenges included increased insulin needs and food intake during adolescence, but overall, they felt more confident and responsible in self-management. Despite advancements in technology, practical challenges persist in managing diabetes during physical activity.Conclusion − Adolescents with diabetes generally develop effective self-management skills and appreciate increasing autonomy, though adherence to medical advice varies. Continued parental support and advanced diabetes technologies play crucial roles in their management. Personalized treatment and balanced parental involvement are needed to increase adherence.

The role of the Mediterranean Diet in preventing the development and complications of lifestyle diseases – a Review

IntroductionThe Mediterranean diet, inspired by traditional dietary habits of the Mediterranean region, exhibits anti-inflammatory and protective effects, reducing the risk of civilization diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. This diet is characterized by a high intake of plant-based foods, olive oil, and moderate consumption of fish and dairy products. These components provide unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants, which positively impact metabolic health and lower the risk of chronic diseases. In the face of the global obesity epidemic and an increasing number of individuals affected by lifestyle-related diseases, the Mediterranean diet offers a promising tool to support a healthy lifestyle. Aim of study This article aims to review current scientific studies evaluating the potential of the Mediterranean diet in preventing and managing civilization diseases. Particular attention is given to its effects on weight loss, improvements in glycemic markers, reductions in low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels, and blood pressure control. The article also explores its benefits for athletes' health, as well as its potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory states. Material and methods A literature review of the PubMed database was conducted, assessing relevant studies on the Mediterranean diet and its impact on lifestyle diseases.

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.

Implementation of Guidelines for Food and Meals in Kindergartens: Perspectives from Norwegian Kindergarten Staff

AbstractEstablishing dietary food habits in the early years is crucial. Kindergarten is a significant public health arena that can foster healthy eating habits regardless of socioeconomic status. In Norway, 93.4% of children aged 1–5 years attend kindergarten, and since most of their daily food intake is in kindergarten, it is important to make healthy food available. National guidelines on food and meals in kindergartens encourage kindergartens to engage in food and meal practices that promote health, well-being, development, and learning. Despite the guidelines, food and meal practices in kindergartens are highly varied, and implementation of the guidelines is lacking. To understand the challenges in implementing the guidelines, we conducted semi-structured interviews with sixteen staff representing sixteen kindergartens throughout Norway. Both public and private kindergartens were included. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and content analysis was performed. The analysis identified three primary themes reflecting staff perceptions of challenges in implementing the national guidelines: priority and structural work with food and meals, pedagogical approach to food and meals, and external expectations and social pressure regarding food and meals. The themes were seen in light of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research in the discussion. While external conditions, including municipal prioritization, external expectations, and social pressure, play significant roles, our findings suggest that the most substantial influences on implementation are internal factors, particularly leadership and individual factors.

Tiliroside protects against diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN), affecting half of diabetic patients and contributing significantly to end-stage kidney disease, poses a substantial medical challenge requiring dialysis or transplantation. The nuanced onset and clinical progression of kidney disease in diabetes involve consistent renal function decline and persistent albuminuria. AIM To investigate Tiliroside's (Til) protective effect against diabetic nephropathy (DN) in rats under diabetic conditions. METHODS Five groups of six rats each were included in this study: Rats treated with DMSO by intraperitoneal injection as controls, those treated with STZ by intraperitoneal injection, those treated with STZ + Til (25 mg/kg body weight [bwt]) or Til (50 mg/kg bwt), and those treated with anti-diabetic medication glibenclamide (600 μg/kg bwt). Biochemical markers, fasting blood glucose, food intake, kidney weight, antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory and fibrotic markers, and renal injury were monitored in different groups. Molecular docking analysis was performed to identify the interactions between Til and its targeted biomarkers. RESULTS Til significantly reduced biochemical markers, fasting blood glucose, food intake, and kidney weight and elevated antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rats. It also mitigated inflammatory and fibrotic markers, lessened renal injury, and displayed inhibitory potential against crucial markers associated with DN as demonstrated by molecular docking analysis. CONCLUSION These findings suggest Til's potential as a therapeutic agent for DN treatment, highlighting its promise for future drug development.

Beyond the Scale: Exploring the Endocannabinoid System's Impact on Obesity.

This review explores the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in regulating energy balance, food intake, and metabolism, with a focus on how ECS dysregulation contributes to obesity. The goal is to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Recent research indicates that the ECS significantly influences food intake, fat storage, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation, all of which are central to the development and progression of obesity. New research areas include the interaction between the ECS and gut microbiota, circadian rhythms of the ECS, and the impact of genetic and epigenetic factors on ECS function. Interest in the therapeutic potential of targeting the ECS has grown, with earlier treatments like CB1 receptor antagonists showing mixed results in efficacy and safety. Evidence from both animal and human studies highlight the impact of elevated levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG on food intake, insulin resistance, visceral fat accumulation, and metabolic disturbances associated with obesity. The review explores the interaction between the ECS and other physiological systems, including gut-brain communication, circadian rhythms, as well as leptin and ghrelin signaling. Additionally, genetic and epigenetic factors influencing ECS function are examined, emphasizing their contribution to obesity susceptibility. While therapeutic approaches targeting the ECS, particularly CB1 receptor antagonism, have shown potential in managing obesity, the review acknowledges the challenges posed by central nervous system side effects in earlier treatments like rimonabant. However, recent advancements in peripherally restricted CB1 antagonists offer renewed hope for safer and more effective obesity treatments. The review concludes by addressing future research directions and therapeutic strategies to combat this global health challenge.

Excitatory amino acids as therapeutic agents: Reversing neurodegenerative trajectory by tackling excitotoxicity.

Neurodegenerative diseases pose significant challenges to healthcare systems globally due to their complex etiology and relentless progression, often rendering conventional treatments ineffective. Recent advances have spotlighted excitatory amino acids, particularly D-amino acids, once considered as products of metabolism of the microbiota or deriving from food intake. This review explores the role of D-amino acids in mitigating excitotoxicity-a process characterized by excessive calcium influx through aberrant N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases like Alzheimer's disease. By providing alternative pathways for neuronal signaling and protecting against excitotoxic damage, D-amino acids offer a novel approach to reversing neurodegenerative trajectories. Future research should focus on elucidating the detailed mechanisms of action of these compounds, evaluating their therapeutic potential through rigorous preclinical and clinical trials, and developing effective delivery systems to optimize their neuroprotective effects. This emerging field holds promise for developing innovative treatment strategies that could significantly improve outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative disorders.

Seasonal variation in dietary intake and its association with obesity-related chronic diseases in northeast China

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to assess seasonal changes in dietary and nutrient intake of residents (18-75 years old) in Northeast China during summer and winter, and to explore the associations between fatty acids, phytosterols, and the prevalence of obesity-related chronic diseases, particularly obesity, hyperlipidemia, and NAFLD. Methods A total of 4773 participants from the Internet-based Dietary Questionnaire for Chinese (IDQC) were included in this study. Dietary intake information was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyze continuous variables, while Chi-squared tests were used to compare categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess the relationship between fatty acids, phytosterols, and obesity-related chronic diseases. Results The mean consumption of legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, dairy products, fish, condiments, energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate differed significantly between summer and winter (P < 0.05). Significant inverse associations were found between both fatty acids and phytosterols and obesity-related chronic diseases in multivariate adjusted models. Summer polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake was negatively associated with the prevalence of hyperlipidemia (Q4, OR, 0.515; 95%CI, 0.283-0.921; P < 0.05) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Q4, OR, 0.331; 95%CI, 0.176-0.599; P < 0.001). Phytosterols intake was negatively associated with the prevalence of obesity (Q4, OR, 0.603; 95%CI, 0.414-0.873; P < 0.05), hyperlipidemia (Q4, OR, 0.420; 95%CI, 0.233-0.731; P < 0.001), and NAFLD (Q4, OR, 0.206; 95%CI, 0.111-0.360; P < 0.001) during the summer. Conclusions Higher PUFA intake was associated with a lower prevalence of obesity, hyperlipidemia, and NAFLD. Phytosterol intake was inversely associated with the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and NAFLD. These findings suggest that the associations between PUFA and phytosterols and the prevalence of obesity-related chronic diseases may be influenced by seasonal differences in food intake.

Retrospective evaluation of enteral nutrition supplementation in 295 hospitalized dogs and cats (2014-2023).

The goal of this study was to describe clinical and hospital-related factors associated with time to feeding tube placement in hospitalized dogs and cats. This was a retrospective study from January 2014 through December 2023. Medical records at an academic veterinary teaching hospital were reviewed for small animal patients in the ICU with nasogastric or esophageal feeding tube placement for enteral nutrition due to inadequate food intake during hospitalization. Patients with feeding tubes placed prophylactically at hospital admission for surgery or physical inability to eat were excluded. Factors associated with placement including species, disease, inappetence, nutritional plans, and medical record recording of caloric intake were reviewed. 295 patients (89 cats and 206 dogs) were included. Median duration of hospitalization prior to feeding tube placement was 2 days (0 to 17 days) and was shorter in cats. Weekend admission and initial placement of an esophageal tube were associated with increased time to placement. Adequate feeding instructions were provided for only 53 of 295 patients (18%) and associated with both higher likelihood of having caloric intake recorded (OR, 10.30) and earlier feeding tube placement. Provision of enteral nutrition occurred later than recommended by nutritional guidelines in many hospitalized patients. Clinician inclusion of specific diet instructions, weekday admission, and initial nasogastric tube placement reduced this duration. Multiple factors may impact timely provision of nutrition in hospitalized dogs and cats. Close attention to energy requirements and exact food intake should be considered to optimize patient nutritional care.

Advancements in Using AI for Dietary Assessment Based on Food Images: Scoping Review.

To accurately capture an individual's food intake, dietitians are often required to ask clients about their food frequencies and portions, and they have to rely on the client's memory, which can be burdensome. While taking food photos alongside food records can alleviate user burden and reduce errors in self-reporting, this method still requires trained staff to translate food photos into dietary intake data. Image-assisted dietary assessment (IADA) is an innovative approach that uses computer algorithms to mimic human performance in estimating dietary information from food images. This field has seen continuous improvement through advancements in computer science, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). However, the technical nature of this field can make it challenging for those without a technical background to understand it completely. This review aims to fill the gap by providing a current overview of AI's integration into dietary assessment using food images. The content is organized chronologically and presented in an accessible manner for those unfamiliar with AI terminology. In addition, we discuss the systems' strengths and weaknesses and propose enhancements to improve IADA's accuracy and adoption in the nutrition community. This scoping review used PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies. The review focused on computational techniques used in IADA, specifically AI models, devices, and sensors, or digital methods for food recognition and food volume estimation published between 2008 and 2021. A total of 522 articles were initially identified. On the basis of a rigorous selection process, 84 (16.1%) articles were ultimately included in this review. The selected articles reveal that early systems, developed before 2015, relied on handcrafted machine learning algorithms to manage traditional sequential processes, such as segmentation, food identification, portion estimation, and nutrient calculations. Since 2015, these handcrafted algorithms have been largely replaced by deep learning algorithms for handling the same tasks. More recently, the traditional sequential process has been superseded by advanced algorithms, including multitask convolutional neural networks and generative adversarial networks. Most of the systems were validated for macronutrient and energy estimation, while only a few were capable of estimating micronutrients, such as sodium. Notably, significant advancements have been made in the field of IADA, with efforts focused on replicating humanlike performance. This review highlights the progress made by IADA, particularly in the areas of food identification and portion estimation. Advancements in AI techniques have shown great potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of this field. However, it is crucial to involve dietitians and nutritionists in the development of these systems to ensure they meet the requirements and trust of professionals in the field.

Household Food Insecurity and Its Association with Nutritional Status of Children 6–59 Months of Age in Kebridehar City

Malnutrition, characterized by an imbalance in the intake of calories, proteins, or other nutrients, includes undernutrition and overnutrition. This study aimed to assess the impact of household food insecurity on the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months in Kebridehar town using a community-based cross-sectional approach. The city of Kebridehar was divided into 12 kebeles and the study targeted families with children in the specified age group. A proportional sample of 344 households was randomly selected from each kebele. Data were collected through surveys and analyzed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and its effects on children's nutrition.Results: The study revealed significant disparities in food security: 11.6% of households were food secure, while 88.4% were food insecure. Female-headed homes had a lower percentage of impoverished children and the mother's education had a vital influence. Low- and middle-income households had a larger risk of childhood loss than higher-income ones. Smaller families were 15.76 times more likely to suffer food insecurity and homes without health services were 3.27 times higher potential to be food insecure. Children from insecure food families have poorer health outcomes, being 4.95 times more likely to be underweight, 1.30 times more likely to be stunted, and 1.45 times more likely to be wasted.Conclusion: The study highlights an important problem of food insecurity that affects the health of children. Factors such as the woman's family, the mother's education level, low income and family size are crucial. Urgent interventions are necessary to improve food security and nutritional outcomes, especially for families with low income, less education, and poor sanitation.

Population pharmacokinetic study of the effect of polymorphisms in the ABCB1 and CES1 genes on the pharmacokinetics of dabigatran

PurposeThe impact of genetic polymorphisms in the ABCB1 and CES1 genes on dabigatran plasma concentrations remains a subject of debate, and the purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the effects of genetic polymorphisms on dabigatran esters in healthy Chinese subjects employed a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) approach.MethodsIn total, 1,926 pharmacokinetic (PK) samples from 123 healthy individuals who were given 150 mg of dabigatran orally during a fasting state or postprandially were analyzed using the PopPK model. A two-compartment model with first-order absorption was found to adequately describe the PK data.ResultsThe results showed that covariates food intake and ABCB1 SNP rs4148738 were shown to have statistically significant impacts. Specifically, in postprandial administration increased lag time (ALAG) and clearance (CL) by 2.65% and 0.51%, respectively, and decreased absorption rate constant (KA) by 0.24%. Additionally, in subjects with CT genotype ABCB1 (rs4148738), the central ventricular volume of distribution (V2) was increased by 0.38%.ConclusionIn summary, the PopPK model developed in this study was robust and effectively characterized the pharmacokinetics of dabigatran in healthy Chinese adults, demonstrating that both food and ABCB1 genetic variation significantly influence the absorption and plasma concentration levels of dabigatran.

The Development of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for the Assessment of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in the Italian Adult Population: Protocol for a Validity and Reproducibility Study

Background: Over the last decade, while studies on the detrimental effects of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption have increased, methodological limitations on the quality of available evidence have emerged. Starting from a critical reassessment of the NOVA classification, this project will aim to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which is based on the processing of consumed foods and specifically designed to estimate the UPF consumption and total dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients in the Italian adult population. Methods: This study will take place in selected workplaces and include healthy males and females aged ≥18 years, residing in Italy and with Italian citizenship. The FFQ will be online, voluntary, self-administered, semi-quantitative, and designed to assess food intake over the past year and distinguish between industrial, artisanal, and home-made products. This project will consist of two phases. First, a pilot study will be conducted to obtain the final version of the FFQ. The current food consumption of the target population will be investigated, through a 24 h dietary recall, and the face validity of the new tool will be tested. The second phase will involve at least 436 participants. To assess reproducibility, the FFQ will be administered twice (at an interval of 3–10 months), and the test–retest method will be used. A 7-day weighed dietary record (WDR) will also be completed after each FFQ administration. To evaluate criterion validity, data from the two WDRs will be compared against those from the first FFQ administration. Conclusions: The results will provide a new valid tool focused on food processing, potentially useful for future studies.

Is underweight associated with poorer diet, nutrient status, bone and cardiometabolic health, and school performance in Danish 8-11-year-olds?

Underweight, i.e. low body mass index for age and sex, may indicate undernutrition, but despite high prevalence, this aspect is largely overlooked in children in high-income countries. We explored if dietary intake, nutrient status, body composition, bone mineralization, cardiometabolic markers and school performance differed in schoolchildren with underweight compared to normal- and overweight. We used cross-sectional data from 815 Danish 8-11-year-old children collected in 2011. Intake of foods, macronutrients and key micronutrients (vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, zinc and selenium) was assessed by 7-day dietary records. Measurements included anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and tests of attention and reading skills. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for biomarkers of iron, long-chain n-3 fatty acids and vitamin D status as well as blood lipids, insulin and growth markers. Eighty-three (10.2%) children had underweight and were shown to have a lower intake of energy, red meat, protein and zinc and higher intake of added sugar than children with normal- and overweight. They also had higher fish intake relative to overweight, but blood biomarkers did not differ between groups. Children with underweight had lower fat percent and bone mineralization compared to peers with normalweight, but apart from lower insulin, they did not differ in overall cardiometabolic health or school performance. Although we found some differences in diet, there were no considerable differences in nutrient status, cardiometabolic health or school performance between children with underweight and their normalweight peers. However, the lower bone mineralization is a concern and needs further investigation.

A Role for the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: A New Conceptual Model.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by a severely restrictive diet leading to significant physical and/or psychosocial sequelae. Largely owing to the phenotypic heterogeneity, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are relatively unknown. Recently, the communication between microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract and the brain-the so-called microbiota-gut-brain axis-has been implicated in the pathophysiology of eating disorders. This Spotlight review sought to investigate and conceptualize the possible ways that the microbiota-gut-brain axis is involved in ARFID to drive future research in this area. By relating core symptoms of ARFID to gut microbiota and its signaling pathways to the brain, we evaluated how the gut microbiota is potentially involved in the pathophysiology of ARFID. We hypothesized that the restricted type and amount of food intake characteristic of ARFID diminishes gut microbial diversity, including beneficial bacteria and their metabolites capable of signaling to the brain, to modulate biopsychological pathways relevant to ARFID: homeostatic signaling, food reward, interoception, sensory sensitivity, disgust, perseveration, fear-based learning, and mood. Candidate signaling mechanisms include microbial-induced effects on inflammation, cortisol, and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Through reviewing the extant evidence, we conceptualized a new theoretical framework of ARFID with an emphasis on microbiota-gut-brain axis signaling to inform future research. Although more research is necessary to evaluate this theoretical model, the tentative evidence suggests that therapeutics specifically targeting the gut microbiota for the treatment of ARFID symptomatology warrants more investigation.

The role of vegetarian diet in Nephrolithiasis

Nephrolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stone disease, is a prevalent condition with significant morbidity worldwide. Notably, this medical condition is strongly influenced by nutritional habits. Dietary choices play a critical role in both the formation and prevention of kidney stones, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition in managing this disease. This review explores the impact of a vegetarian diet on nephrolithiasis. Evidence suggest that plant-based diets, which excludes animal protein, may contribute to a reduced risk of kidney stone formation. Vegetarian diet could be also considered as higher in fruits and vegetables, so in conclusion, people on plant-based diet have a water-rich food intake. Not only the fluid intake, but also the balance of calcium and oxalates is very important in managing risk of forming kidney stones. This diet typically result in lower acid load, higher urinary pH and increased urinary citrate levels. Everything mentioned is a key preventive strategy against kidney calculi. Nephrolithiasis has undenyable colligation with diet. Patients dietary choices and their lifestyle could strongly influence the course of this disease. Overall, well-planned vegetarian diet may offer protective benefits against nephrolithiasis. It should be individualized and preferably prepared by a professional dietitian. In this case, it is important to remember that our diet plays role similarly in genesis as in recurrence of kidney stone disease. Changing eating habits aims to reduce lithogenic risk factors.

Exploratory dietary patterns, the global diet quality score, and their associated socio-demographic factors among young adults in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study using a food list-validated, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.

Economic growth in Rwanda is associated with significant changes in food systems, access to health and other services, lifestyle, and nutritional transitions. Nevertheless, our knowledge of dietary patterns in Rwanda remains limited. The present study aimed to identify the dietary habits of young adult population in Rwanda and to assess associated factors. A developed and validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire covering a one-year period was used to collect data on food intake of 1,218 participants (18-35 years old) from end of January to April 2023 in a cross-sectional study. Dietary habits were assessed using two indicators: the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and dietary patterns. The latest was developed using exploratory factor analysis. Rwandan adults had a mean GDQS of 24.1; 64.4% had high GDQS, especially urban, and educated respondents. The Southern province led at 77.4%. Three dietary patterns were identified: "Modern" (high in processed foods and drinks), "Traditional" (rich in cereals, roots, and plant-based proteins), and "low variety" (low in diverse foods but high in sugar and salt). Dietary patterns significantly varied by residency, province, sex, age, social category, asset, and education level. This study identified distinct dietary patterns among adult population of Rwanda, suggesting a nutritional transition associated with urbanization. The findings highlight the need for further research into the relationships between diet, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in Rwandan population.