Nutritional Considerations Research Articles

Star Fruit (Averrhoea Carambola): Exploring its Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, and Consideration for Potential Risk and Future Application in Biotechnology and Medicine

Star Fruit (Averrhoea Carambola): Exploring its Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, and Consideration for Potential Risk and Future Application in Biotechnology and Medicine

Strengthening the governance of food systems for nutrition in Africa: a political economy analysis of food policy in South Africa and Ghana.

To examine underlying political economy factors that enable or impede the integration of nutrition considerations into food system governance. Comparative political economy analysis of data collected through (1) value chain analyses of selected healthy and unhealthy commodities and (2) food system policy analyses, using a theoretical framework focused on power, politics, interests and ideas. Ghana and South Africa. Value chain actors relevant to healthy and unhealthy foods (Ghana n 121; South Africa n 72) and policy stakeholders from government (Health, Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Finance), academia, civil society, development partners, Civil Society Organization (CSO) and private sector (Ghana n 28; South Africa n 48). Nutrition was a stated policy priority in both countries; however, policy responsibility was located within the health sector, with limited integration of nutrition into food system sectors (including Agriculture, Trade and Industry). Contributing factors included a conceptions of policy responsibilities for nutrition and food systems, dominant ideas and narratives regarding the economic role of the food industry and the purpose of food system policy, the influence of large food industry actors, and limited institutional structures for cross-sectoral engagement and coordination. Integrating nutrition into multi-sectoral food policy to achieve multiple food system policy goals will require strategic action across jurisdictions and regional levels. Opportunities included increasing investment in healthy traditional foods, strengthening urban/rural linkages and informal food systems, and strengthening institutional structures for policy coherence and coordination related to nutrition.

Physiological and Nutritional Considerations for Elite Squash: A Systematic Review

Abstract Purpose To systematically review all the physiological and nutritional research conducted in squash to guide practitioners and researchers on how best to interpret the data, while identifying gaps in the literature to determine future directions of research within squash. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, studies investigating an aspect of physiology or nutrition within squash were identified using scientific databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PUBMED, and SPORTDiscus, from March 2022 to October 2023. Results Of the 1208 studies identified, 35 met the inclusion criteria across a variety of physiological and nutritional topics, such as the physiological demands of squash, anthropometric and physiological characteristics of squash players, squash-specific performance tests, training demands of squash, nutritional requirements of squash, hydration demands of squash, nutrition knowledge of squash players, and nutritional supplements for squash players. Ten studies had poor methodological quality, 19 as fair, four as good, and two as excellent. Seventeen out of 35 studies included were undertaken post the 2009 rule change, and 14 studies were conducted on either elite or world class players. Twenty-nine of the studies involved male players, with 15 involving female players. Conclusion Much of the physiological and nutritional literature is of low quality and outdated. We present future research focuses throughout the review, such as quantifying the game characteristics of male and female players, the energy expenditures during a training and competition microcycle, and the efficacy of certain nutritional supplements. These efforts aim to create sport specific guidelines and advance evidence-based practice within squash.

Nutrition, hydration and supplementation considerations for mountaineers in high-altitude conditions: a narrative review.

Staying and climbing in high mountains (>2,500 m) involves changes in diet due to poor access to fresh food, lack of appetite, food poisoning, environmental conditions and physiological changes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the principles of nutrition, hydration and supplementation in high-altitude conditions and to propose practical recommendations/solutions based on scientific literature data. Databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar were searched to find studies published from 2000 to 2023 considering articles that were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, narrative review articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The manuscript provides recommendations for energy supply, dietary macronutrients and micronutrients, hydration, as well as supplementation recommendations and practical tips for mountaineers. In view of the difficulties of being in high mountains and practicing alpine climbing, as described in the review, it is important to increase athletes' awareness of nutrition and supplementation in order to improve well-being, physical performance and increase the chance of achieving a mountain goal, and to provide the appropriate dietary care necessary to educate mountaineers and personalize recommendations to the needs of the individual.

Youth and Adolescent Athlete Musculoskeletal Health: Dietary and Nutritional Strategies to Optimise Injury Prevention and Support Recovery.

Background: Despite the well-documented benefits of exercise and sports participation, young athletes are particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries. This is especially true during periods of rapid growth, sports specialisation, and high training loads. While injuries are an inevitable aspect of sports participation, the risk can be minimised by promoting the development of strong, resilient tissues through proper nutrition and injury prevention strategies. Moreover, targeted nutrition strategies can accelerate recovery and rehabilitation, allowing for a quicker return to sports participation. Methods: This narrative review synthesises scientific evidence with practical insights to offer comprehensive dietary recommendations aimed at strengthening tissues and supporting the healing process during recovery and rehabilitation. The selection of all sources cited and synthesised in this narrative review were agreed upon by contributing author consensus, experts in sports nutrition (R.A., H.V., B.D.) and exercise and sports medicine (M.H.). Results: Key topics include factors that contribute to injury susceptibility, general dietary recommendations for growth and development, sports nutrition guidelines, and nutrition considerations during injury and rehabilitation. This review also addresses external factors that may lead to suboptimal nutrition, such as food literacy and eating disorders. Conclusions: By highlighting these factors, this article aims to equip coaches, nutritionists, dietitians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, parents/guardians, sporting organisations, and schools with essential knowledge to implement effective nutritional strategies for injury prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation, ultimately enhancing long-term health and athletic performance.

Nutrition and Training Recommendations for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Athletes Involved in Strength Sports and Resistance Training: A Case Series of Nine Athletes Assigned Female at Birth.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) athletes have distinct nutrition and training considerations. Guidance for nutrition and sport professionals working with TGGD athletes is lacking, especially when addressing sex-specific data. The purpose of this case series was to depict nutrition and training assessment approaches and recommendations for TGGD athletes involved in strength sports or resistance training. Six types of data informed each case presentation, including: demographic, anthropometric, health history, and survey data (Eating Competence Scale, Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale); a 3-day food and physical activity record; and an in-depth interview. Nine TGGD athletes assigned female at birth (AFAB) presented with a range of gender identities, experiences, sport involvement, and transition journeys. Most athletes consumed inadequate energy and fiber, adequate or marginally high levels of saturated fat and added sugars, and high levels of sodium. Most athletes scored low on the Eating Competence Scale and high on the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale. Nutrition and sports professionals can individualize the care they provide for TGGD athletes when addressing sex-specific data and help athletes ensure they are meeting their nutrient needs.

Climate change undermines seafood micronutrient supply from wild-capture fisheries in Southeast Asia and Pacific Island countries

Marine ecosystem functions are affected by climate change impacts such as ocean warming, deoxygenation and acidification. These impacts drive changes in distributions and body size of fish species and directly affect fisheries. Wild-capture fisheries are crucial for providing nutrients, livelihoods, and employment in tropical Southeast Asia and Pacific Island countries, where coastal communities are highly vulnerable to climate change. We examined the impacts of climate change on fish stocks and nutrient availability of seven key micronutrients (calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and zinc) in Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand). We combined micronutrient demands by local human populations with Sea Around Us reconstructed catch time series and catch projections from a dynamic bioclimate envelope model for the 21st century. The model predicted a decline in the Maximum Catch Potential (MCP) within Exclusive Economic Zones for Oceania, Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asian countries. Under the ‘strong mitigation’ scenario, catch potential reductions ranged from a decline of 54–66 % in Oceania, 58–92 % in Pacific Islands, and 65–86 % in Southeast Asia by the mid to the end of the 21st century relative to the historical period, respectively. Under the ‘no-mitigation’ climate scenario, reductions were more severe, with a decline of 55–70 % in Oceania, 66–92 % in Pacific Islands, and 70–86 % in Southeast Asia for the same time periods. Our findings indicate that Australia and New Zealand are unlikely to meet the recommended nutrient intake demand for most micronutrients through their fisheries (not considering trade or aquaculture production), except for iodine and vitamin B12. Pacific Island countries will likely follow the same pattern while Southeast Asia is expected to face worsening deficits, except for iodine and vitamin B12. This study highlights the importance of incorporating nutritional considerations of seafood into national food, trade and economic policies.

"Monitoring inflammatory, immune system mediators, and mitochondrial changes related to brain metabolism during space flight".

The possibility of impaired cognitive function during deep space flight missions or while living on a Martian colony is a critical point of concern and pleads for further research. In addition, a fundamental gap exists both in our understanding and application of countermeasures for the consequences of long duration space travel and/or living in an extreme environment such as on the Moon or Mars. Previous studies, while heavily analyzing pre- and post-flight conditions, mostly fail to appreciate the cognitive stressors associated with space radiation, microgravity, confinement, hostile or closed environments, and the long distances from earth. A specific understanding of factors that affect cognition as well as structural and/or physiological changes in the brains of those on a space mission in addition to new countermeasures should result in improved health of our astronauts and reduce risks. At the core of cognitive changes are mechanisms we typically associate with aging, such as inflammatory responses, changes in brain metabolism, depression, and memory impairments. In fact, space flight appears to accelerate aging. In this review, we will discuss the importance of monitoring inflammatory and immune system mediators such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and mitochondrial changes related to brain metabolism. We conclude with our recommended countermeasures that include pharmacological, metabolic, and nutritional considerations for the risks on cognition during space missions.

Imperative of nutritional considerations in facilitating surgical recovery ensuing oral and maxillofacial surgery

Imperative of nutritional considerations in facilitating surgical recovery ensuing oral and maxillofacial surgery

Effect of pH-shifting and ultrasound on soy/potato protein structure and gelation

The substitution of meat proteins with plant-based proteins from various sources is often motivated by nutritional considerations. However, the inherent limited solubility of plant proteins, which results in suboptimal techno-functional properties, remains a persistent challenge in food formulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of pH-shifting (P), high-intensity ultrasound (U), and ultrasound-assisted pH-shifting on the structure and solubility of soy protein isolate (SPI), potato protein isolate (PPI), and the soy/potato protein complex (SPI/PPI complex). Additionally, a detailed examination of the gel properties of SPI, PPI, and the SPI/PPI complex was conducted to assess the changes that occurred before and after modification. The results of particle size, zeta potential, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), free sulfhydryl (R-SH), surface hydrophobicity (H0), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) and fluorescence intensity showed that P and U treatment promoted the unfolding of proteins structures and decreased particle size, and augmented protein-water interactions, leading to enhanced solubility. The pH-shift and ultrasound (PU) treatment further amplified these structural alterations in proteins. Consequently, the gelling characteristics of the modified proteins were substantially improved, with notable increases in hardness, elasticity, and water-holding capacity (WHC). The findings facilitate developing more targeted plant protein-based gel products that specific techno-functional attributes, concurrently allowing for modifications to their nutritional profiles.

Nutrition and Osteoporosis Prevention.

Osteoporosis affects 50% of women and 20% of men after the age of 50. Fractures are associated with significant morbidity, increased mortality and altered quality of life. Lifestyle measures for fragility fracture prevention include good nutrition including adequate protein and calcium intakes, vitamin D sufficiency, and regular weight bearing physical exercise. Dietary protein is one of the most important nutritional considerations as it affects bone mineral density, trabecular and cortical microstructure, and bone strength. When calcium intake is sufficient, higher dietary protein intake is associated with lower risk of fracture. Dairy products are a valuable source of calcium and high quality protein. Dairy product consumption, particularly fermented dairy products, are associated with a lower risk of hip fracture and vegan diets are associated with increased fracture risk. Other dietary factors associated with reduced fracture risk include at least 5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables, regular tea drinking, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and other dietary patterns which provide fibers, polyphenols and fermented dairy products. Such dietary patterns may confer health benefits through their effect on gut microbiota composition and/or function. A balanced diet including minerals, protein, fruits and vegetables is an important element in the prevention of osteoporosis and of fragility fracture.

Nutritional Considerations of Plant-Based Diets for People With Food Allergy.

Plant-based diets (PBD) have been reported throughout history, but are increasingly common in current times, likely in part due to considerable emphasis on climate change and human health and wellness. Many dietary organisations around the world endorse well-planned, nutritionally adequate PBD, which exclude some or all forms of animal-based foods. However, special attention must be given to patients who follow PBD and also have food allergy (FA), as avoidance may increase the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, including poor growth in children, weight loss in adults and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Given the increasing prevalence of both PBD and food allergen avoidance diets, healthcare providers are likely to counsel patients with FA who also follow a PBD. In this review, an overview of PBD in patients with FA is provided, including recent trends, macro- and micronutrient needs, and growth for children and weight gain considerations for adults. With regard to a PBD, special attention should be given to ensure adequate fat and protein intake and improving the bioavailability of several minerals such as iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and magnesium, and vitamins such as A, B2, B12 and D. Although the collective data on growth amongst children following a PBD are varied in outcome and may be influenced in part by the type of PBD, growth must be regularly monitored and in adults weight gain assessed as part of any clinical assessment in those people with FA.

Nutrition Considerations in the Intensive Care Unit.

Nutrition Considerations in the Intensive Care Unit.

Impact of Particle Size on the Physicochemical, Functional, and In Vitro Digestibility Properties of Fava Bean Flour and Bread.

Fava beans, renowned for their nutritional value and sustainable cultivation, are pivotal in various food applications. This study examined the implications of varying the particle size on the functional, physicochemical, and in vitro digestibility properties of fava bean flour. Fava bean was milled into 0.14, 0.50, and 1.0 mm particle sizes using a Ferkar multipurpose knife mill. Physicochemical analyses showed that the 0.14 mm flour had more starch damage, but higher protein and fat contents. Functionality assessments revealed that the finer particle sizes had better foaming properties, swelling power, and gelation behavior than the coarse particle size. Emulsion capacity showed that for all the pH conditions, 1.00 mm particle size flour had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) oil droplet size, while the 0.5 and 0.14 mm flours had smaller and similar oil droplet sizes. Moreover, in vitro digestibility assays resulted in improved starch digestion (p ˂ 0.05) with the increase in flour particle size. Varying the particle size of fava bean flour had less impact on the in vitro digestibility of the bread produced from wheat-fava bean composite flour, with an average of 84%. The findings underscore the critical role of particle size in tailoring fava bean flour for specific culinary purposes and nutritional considerations.

An Opinion on the Interpretation of Bone Turnover Markers Following Acute Exercise or Nutrition Intervention and Considerations for Applied Research.

It is important for athlete and public health that we continue to develop our understanding of the effects of exercise and nutrition on bone health. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) offer an opportunity to accelerate the progression of bone research by revealing a bone response to exercise and nutrition stimuli far more rapidly than current bone imaging techniques. However, the association between short-term change in the concentration of BTMs and long-term bone health remains ambiguous. Several other limitations also complicate the translation of acute BTM data to applied practice. Importantly, several incongruencies exist between the effects of exercise and nutrition stimuli on short-term change in BTM concentration compared with long-term bone structural outcomes to similar stimuli. There are many potential explanations for these inconsistencies, including that short-term study designs fail to encompass a full remodeling cycle. The current article presents the opinion that data from relatively acute studies measuring BTMs may not be able to reliably inform applied practice aiming to optimize bone health. There are important factors to consider when interpreting or translating BTM data and these are discussed.

Nutritional Considerations in Exercise-Based Heat Acclimation: A Narrative Review.

In addition to its established thermoregulatory and cardiovascular effects, heat stress provokes alterations in macronutrient metabolism, gastrointestinal integrity, and appetite. Inadequate energy, carbohydrate, and protein intake have been implicated in reduced exercise and heat tolerance. Classic exercise heat acclimation (HA) protocols employ low-to-moderate-intensity exercise for 5-14days, while recent studies have evolved the practice by implementing high-intensity and task-specific exercise during HA, which potentially results in impaired post-HA physical performance despite adequate heat adaptations. While there is robust literature demonstrating the performance benefit of various nutritional interventions during intensive training and competition, most HA studies implement few nutritional controls. This review summarizes the relationships between heat stress, HA, and intense exercise in connection with substrate metabolism, gastrointestinal function, and the potential consequences of reduced energy availability. We discuss the potential influence of macronutrient manipulations on HA study outcomes and suggest best practices to implement nutritional controls.

Assessing ChatGPT's Competency in Addressing Interdisciplinary Inquiries on Chatbot Uses in Sports Rehabilitation: Simulation Study.

ChatGPT showcases exceptional conversational capabilities and extensive cross-disciplinary knowledge. In addition, it can perform multiple roles in a single chat session. This unique multirole-playing feature positions ChatGPT as a promising tool for exploring interdisciplinary subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate ChatGPT's competency in addressing interdisciplinary inquiries based on a case study exploring the opportunities and challenges of chatbot uses in sports rehabilitation. We developed a model termed PanelGPT to assess ChatGPT's competency in addressing interdisciplinary topics through simulated panel discussions. Taking chatbot uses in sports rehabilitation as an example of an interdisciplinary topic, we prompted ChatGPT through PanelGPT to role-play a physiotherapist, psychologist, nutritionist, artificial intelligence expert, and athlete in a simulated panel discussion. During the simulation, we posed questions to the panel while ChatGPT acted as both the panelists for responses and the moderator for steering the discussion. We performed the simulation using ChatGPT-4 and evaluated the responses by referring to the literature and our human expertise. By tackling questions related to chatbot uses in sports rehabilitation with respect to patient education, physiotherapy, physiology, nutrition, and ethical considerations, responses from the ChatGPT-simulated panel discussion reasonably pointed to various benefits such as 24/7 support, personalized advice, automated tracking, and reminders. ChatGPT also correctly emphasized the importance of patient education, and identified challenges such as limited interaction modes, inaccuracies in emotion-related advice, assurance of data privacy and security, transparency in data handling, and fairness in model training. It also stressed that chatbots are to assist as a copilot, not to replace human health care professionals in the rehabilitation process. ChatGPT exhibits strong competency in addressing interdisciplinary inquiry by simulating multiple experts from complementary backgrounds, with significant implications in assisting medical education.

Quantitative and qualitative deterioration in skeletal muscles and nutritional considerations during critical illness in a patient with myotonic dystrophy

Quantitative and qualitative deterioration in skeletal muscles and nutritional considerations during critical illness in a patient with myotonic dystrophy

World Allergy Organization (WAO) Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow's Milk Allergy (DRACMA) guidelines update – XVI - Nutritional management of cow's milk allergy

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common presentations of food allergy in early childhood. Management of CMA involves individualized avoidance of cow's milk and other mammalian milk and foods containing these. Optimal elimination of cow's milk avoidance includes: label reading; information about safe and nutritious substitute foods; appropriate choice of infant formula or a plant-based food; establishing tolerance to baked milk and monitoring nutritional intake and growth. Substitute formulas are divided into soy formula (not hydrolyzed), milk-based extensively hydrolyzed formulas, rice based extensive, and partially hydrolyzed formulas and amino acid-based formulas. The use of other mammalian milks is not recommended for the management of cow's milk allergy due to a high level of cross-reactivity and nutritional concerns. For toddlers who are eating well, children, and adults, a suitable plant-based beverage may be a suitable alternative to a specialized formula, following careful nutritional considerations. Families need to be instructed on finding suitable nutritious foods and how to prepare suitable meals at home. Individuals with CMA also need to know how to identify and treat acute severe reactions.

Nutritional Considerations in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Critical Analysis of Current Evidence.

» Initial screening for malnutrition can be initiated with a fibrinogen-albumin ratio threshold <11.7.» Protein supplementation to goal (1.2-1.9 g/kg), along with essential amino acid augmented with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate and resistance training have shown benefit, especially in sarcopenic patients.» Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation has a strong antioxidant role and gain of muscle mass.» Supplementation with adenosine triphosphate and magnesium sulfate provides an avenue to decrease postoperative pain and opioid consumption.» Motivational interviewing and multidisciplinary teams to achieve preoperative weight loss >20 lbs in morbidly obese patients can decrease complication rates.