Nutritional Strategies Research Articles

Sleep & Nutrition for Athletes

Abstract Sleep is vital for the maintenance of physical and mental health, recovery and performance in athletes. Sleep also has a restorative effect on the immune system and the endocrine system. Sleep must be of adequate duration, timing, and quality to promote recovery following training and competition. Inadequate sleep adversely impacts carbohydrate metabolism, appetite, energy intake and protein synthesis affecting recovery from the energy demands of daily living and training/competition related fatigue. Sleep’s role in overall health and wellbeing has been established. Athletes have high sleep needs and are particularly vulnerable to sleep difficulties due to high training and competition demands, as such the implementation of the potential nutritional interventions to improve sleep duration and quality is commonplace. The use of certain nutrition strategies and supplements has an evidence base i.e. carbohydrate, caffeine, creatine, kiwifruit, magnesium, meal make-up and timing, protein and tart cherry. However, further research involving both foods and supplements is necessary to clarify the interactions between nutrition and the circadian system as there is potential to improve sleep and recovery. Additional research is necessary to clarify guidelines and develop products and protocols for foods and supplements to benefit athlete health, performance and/or recovery. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential interaction between sleep and nutrition for athletes, and how these interactions might benefit sleep and/or recovery.

Estimating the minimal cost of delivering nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopia Food and Nutrition Strategy (FNS 2021-2030) aims to provide evidence-based, nutrition-specific, and sensitive interventions to address malnutrition. A costing exercise was done to estimate the minimum financing needed to implement nutrition interventions for the ten-year FNS, and further analysis was made to estimate the investment required to implement the prioritised recommended Lancet series interventions for 10 years. Activity-based costing methodology was used to carry out the FNS costing for nutrition interventions prioritised by the different line ministries, and then estimated costs to implement the 2021 recommended Lancets interventions were examined from the FNS. The minimum cost of implementing the National FNS was estimated to be US$ 2.55bn with an average annual cost of US$ 250 million over 10 years (2021-2030). The cost of nutrition-sensitive approaches represents US$ 1.8 billion (72%) and nutrition-specific US$ 704 million (28%) of the total cost of the FNS. The Lancet series intervention costs accounted for US$ 1.7 billion (66%) of the total cost of the strategy. In this costing, half of the strong/moderate evidence (7 out of 13) Lancet interventions are costed. Therefore, the strategy's costing should be revised every 3 years to integrate new evidence and consider lessons from real expenditure. Furthermore, the need to establish a nutrition expenditure tracking system is urgent.

Role of Nutrition and Hydration in Injury Prevention and Recovery: A Review

Introduction and Purpose: Nutrition and hydration play critical roles in supporting athletic performance, injury prevention, and effective recovery, impacting both amateur and elite athletes. This literature review explores current evidence on nutritional and hydration strategies that promote musculoskeletal health, reduce injury risk, and optimize recovery following injury. Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, focusing on articles published up until the end of 2023. Keywords used in the search included: “nutrition strategies”, “hydration”, “injury prevention”, “nutrition” and “recovery”. Articles were selected based on their relevance to the topic and quality of evidence. Results: The review reveals that hydration plays a critical role in reducing the risk of injury and optimizing recovery. Dehydration is associated with increased muscle fatigue, cramps, and a greater likelihood of heat-related injuries, impairing physical performance. Furthermore, nutritional strategies, particularly protein intake post-exercise, are essential for muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, and speeding up the healing process. Conclusions: Implementing appropriate dietary strategies, including adequate hydration, balanced macronutrient intake, and electrolyte replenishment, can significantly reduce the risk of injury, enhance performance, and accelerate recovery times.

Aerobic Energy Turnover and Exercise Economy Profile During Race Simulation in a World-Record-Breaking Male Full-Distance Triathlete.

To investigate metabolism and exercise economy during prolonged race simulation (>4h) in a world-class, full-distance triathlete to help guide/adjust strategies for training, nutrition, hydration, and thermoregulation. Two experimental race-simulation days, designed to mimic the demands of a full-distance triathlon, were executed by a world-class maletriathlete(MD; 25y, body weight 82kg, V˙O2max 6.2L·min-1, blood lactate threshold ∼410W, and 18km · h-1 in cycling and running) who at the time ranked second in the world. Race simulation was performed 23 and 10 days prior to competing in Challenge Roth 2023, where MD won in a new world record/best time (7:24:40h:min:s). Both test days lasted ∼4 to 5hours with physiologic testing every ∼45 to 60minutes in a "stationary" setting during cycling on a direct-mount trainer (∼320W) and treadmill running (16km · h-1), enabling gas exchange measurements (V˙O2 and respiratory exchange ratio) and other physiologic measurements of interest (ie,core temperature and heart rate). This was combined with "real activity" as repeated loops in an open-air field setting at expected race pace in swimming, biking, and running. V˙O2 was maintained at ∼4.2L·min-1, with carbohydrates being the dominant fuel for oxidation as respiratory exchange ratio values dropped from ∼1 at the start of cycling to ∼0.85 during running. Cycling economy was stable, whereas a slight impairment in running economy occurred over time. High aerobic energy turnover and stable exercise economy can be maintained in a world-class record-breaking triathlete for prolonged period of time (+4h), showcasing the importance of both for success in competition.

Hepatic Transcriptomics of Broilers with Low and High Feed Conversion in Response to Caloric Restriction

Background: In broiler chickens, the efficient utilization of macro- and micronutrients is influenced by various metabolic pathways that are closely linked to feed efficiency (FE), a critical metric in poultry industry, with residual feed intake (RFI) as the preferred proxy. Feed restriction is considered an approach to address the underlying molecular mechanisms of feed conversion. We hypothesized that broiler chickens with divergent RFI subjected to quantitative feed restriction differ in their pattern of molecular pathways for efficient nutrient utilization in liver as post-absorptive tissue. Methods: Cobb 500FF broiler chickens divergent for RFI (n = 112) were feed-restricted from day 9 until market weight at day 33–37 post-hatch. Based on a previous trial, feed restriction levels were set at 92% (low-RFI birds) and 80% (high-RFI birds) relative to the control groups. Transcriptomic analyses of the liver were conducted. Results: Due to the interaction of the RFI group and feeding regimen, a total of 140 to 507 differentially expressed genes were identified for the respective contrasts, with implications for hepatic metabolism and cellular stress response. Although the broilers did not realize their full growth potential under restrictive feeding (12.4% reduced body weight vs. controls, p = 0.094), the gene expression patterns indicate a lower susceptibility to blood coagulation (KNG1, FGG, and FGB), suggesting that controlled and mild feed restriction could lead to health benefits in less feed-efficient broilers. Moreover, FE traits are shown to be linked to cellular detoxification processes (MGST3 and CYP2AC2) and triacylglycerol syntheses (MOGAT1 and LPIN1). Conclusions: Divergent transcriptional profiles between broiler groups under varied caloric conditions indicate potential for optimizing nutritional management strategies.

Effects of Preoperative Nutritional Conditions on Postoperative Recovery in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease

Objective: The effects of preoperative nutritional conditions on postoperative recovery in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) were evaluated in this study. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from neonates with CHD who underwent surgery at our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 was conducted. The relationships between preoperative nutritional conditions and neonatal postoperative recovery were analyzed. Results: Eighty neonates were included in this study. The average gestational age was 38.4 (37, 39.2) weeks, the average birth weight was 3.1 (2.7, 3.4) kg, the average age at surgery was 23 (21, 26) days, and the average preoperative weight was 3.5 (3.0, 3.9) kg. The postoperative mechanical ventilation duration, length of intensive care unit stay, and length of hospital stay of preterm neonates were much longer than those of full-term neonates (p < 0.05). In addition, these values were notably greater for neonates with birth weights ≤3 kg than for neonates with birth weights >3 kg (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis suggested that gestational age, birth weight, preoperative weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and preoperative height-for-age z-score (HAZ) were negatively correlated with postoperative mechanical ventilation duration, length of intensive care unit stay, and length of hospital stay. Conclusions: Preterm birth and low birth weight significantly prolong the duration of mechanical ventilation and postoperative intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. More attention should be given to nutritional management during the perioperative period for premature or low-birth-weight neonates with CHD. For neonates with CHD requiring surgery, the time available for nutritional support before surgery is very limited; thus, more attention and guidance are needed for prenatal nutritional strategies.

Prevalence of Undernutrition and Its Contributing Factors Among Cancer Patients in Africa - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Cancer poses a significant burden in Africa, where limited resources and infrastructure compound the challenges of managing the disease. Undernutrition, a critical concern among cancer patients, can profoundly affect treatment outcomes and overall prognosis. Despite its importance, the prevalence of undernutrition among African cancer patients remains poorly understood. Five major databases were searched for observational studies that reported the prevalence of undernutrition, from inception till February 2024. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by at least two independent reviewers. The NIH criteria for observational studies were used for quality assessment. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the overall undernutrition prevalence, with subgroup analyses conducted based on country and population characteristics. Twenty-four studies involving 4,283 participants met the inclusion criteria, most studies included children (41%), followed by adults (37%), and women (19%). The overall undernutrition prevalence among African cancer patients was estimated at 32.8% (95% CI, 25.1%, 41.67%) with substantial heterogeneity observed (I² = 95.4%, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant variations in prevalence across countries and population groups. Undernutrition is a serious issue among African cancer patients and requires an urgent response with targeted interventions. Tailored nutritional support strategies, considering demographic and regional contexts, are essential for improving patient outcomes.

Effectiveness of a Complementary Telehealth Education Program as a Preventive Treatment for Chronic Migraine: A Randomized Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: Chronic migraine (CM) is a neurological disorder that causes significant disability, loss of productivity, and economic burden. Preventive treatments, including pharmacological and educational interventions, are crucial for managing CM effectively. The aim of this study was to analyze whether adding a therapeutic telehealth education program (TTEP) to pharmacological treatment achieved a greater reduction in the number of headache days experienced by patients with CM. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study with two parallel groups was performed. Patients with a diagnosis of CM and who were being treated with Botulinum Toxin were randomly assigned to either the EG (therapeutic education program about the neuroscience of pain, migraine, pain strategies, sleep habits, exercise, nutrition, postural habits, and relaxation strategies) or CG (general health recommendations with no specific content about migraine). The intervention lasted a total of eight weeks and was delivered via a telehealth application (APP). Headache frequency, migraine frequency, pain intensity, headache impact, allodynia, fear of movement, pain catastrophizing, chronic pain self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, sleep quality, and sedentary lifestyle were measured at baseline (M0), one month after the intervention started (M1), at the end of the intervention (M2), and one month after the intervention was completed for follow-up (M3). Results: In total, 48 patients participated. There were differences between the groups in the following outcomes in favor of EG for headache frequency at the one-month follow-up (p = 0.03; d = 0.681); chronic pain self-efficacy at post-treatment (p = 0.007; d = 0.885) and at the one-month follow-up (p &lt; 0.001; d = 0.998); and sleep quality at post-treatment (p = 0.013; d = 0.786) and at the one-month follow-up (p &lt; 0.001; d = 1.086). No differences existed between the groups for the other outcomes examined (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The use of TTEP reduced the number of headache days, improved sleep quality, and increased self-efficacy in managing pain. This pilot study suggests that the addition of a specialized TTPE to pharmacological treatments may be more effective than a general health recommendation program for migraine.

Perspective on the Coevolutionary Role of Host and Gut Microbiota in Polyphenol Health Effects: Metabotypes and Precision Health.

"Personalized nutrition" aims to establish nutritional strategies to improve health outcomes for non-responders. However, it is utopian since most people share similar nutritional requirements. "Precision health," encompassing lifestyles, may be more fitting. Dietary (poly)phenols are "healthy" but non-nutritional molecules (thus, we can live without them). The gut microbiota influences (poly)phenol effects, producing metabolites with different activity than their precursors. Furthermore, producing distinctive metabolites, like urolithins, lunularin, and equol, leads to the term "polyphenol-related gut microbiota metabotypes," grouping individuals based on a genuine microbial metabolism of ellagic acid, resveratrol, and isoflavones, respectively. Additionally, (poly)phenols exert prebiotic-like effects through their antimicrobial activities, typically reducing microbial diversity and modulating microbiota functionality by impacting its composition and transcriptomics. Since the gut microbiota perceives (poly)phenols as a threat, (poly)phenol effects are mostly a consequence of microbiota adaptation through differential (poly)phenol metabolism (e.g., distinctive reductions, dehydroxylations, etc.). This viewpoint is less prosaic than considering (poly)phenols as essential nutritional players in human health, yet underscores their health significance in a coevolutionary partnership with the gut microbiota. In the perspective on the gut microbiota and (poly)phenols interplay, microbiota metabotypes could arbiter health effects. An innovative aspect is also emphasized: modulating the interacting microbial networks without altering the composition.

A Nutritional Strategy Based on Multiple Components for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background/Objectives: The optimal dietary approach for managing glycemic and metabolic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still uncertain, though it should be tailored for clinical settings. Therefore, we sought to assess the impact of a multicomponent nutritional strategy on glycemic control in T2D patients within a public health system. Methods: NUGLIC was an open-label, parallel-group, superiority, multicenter randomized controlled trial. Participants aged 30 and older with poorly controlled T2D were randomly assigned to either (1) a personalized dietary prescription (control group, n = 185) or (2) a strategy involving targeted nutritional advising, mindfulness techniques, and short message services (NUGLIC [intervention] group, n = 186). The primary outcomes were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c, %) measured after 24 weeks and glycemic control, defined as having an HbA1c &gt; 7% at baseline and achieving ≤7% after follow-up, or having HbA1c ≤ 7% at baseline and reducing the use of glucose-lowering medications post-follow-up. The secondary outcomes included cardiometabolic features, self-care practices, diet quality, and quality of life. Results: A total of 371 participants were included in an intention-to-treat analysis for the primary outcomes. At six months, both groups exhibited a reduction in HbA1c levels compared to the baseline (NUGLIC group: −0.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.9; −0.3], p &lt; 0.001; control group: −0.5% [95% CI −0.7; −0.3], p &lt; 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of HbA1c after follow-up (intervention group: 8.1%; control group: 8.3%; difference: −0.2% [95% CI −0.5; 0.1], p = 0.30) or glycemic control (NUGLIC group: 19.9%; control group: 18.9%; odds ratio 0.96 [95% CI 0.56; 1.67], p = 0.89). While the control group showed an improvement in overall diet quality, no significant differences emerged between the groups by the end of this study (p = 0.13). There were also no significant differences in other secondary outcomes nor in the use of glucose-lowering medications and adverse events after follow-up. Conclusions: The multicomponent nutritional strategy did not demonstrate superiority over personalized dietary prescriptions in achieving glycemic control for participants with poorly managed T2D. In this sense, both nutritional interventions could be used in clinical practice to improve HbA1c levels, considering the profile and preferences of individuals.

Pregnancy toxaemia in an Aleppo goat herd

AbstractThis study investigates a case of pregnancy toxaemia resulting from inadequate nutritional management in goats. The samples were collected following observed mortality cases among pregnant goats in a herd consisting of 286 Aleppo goats and 175 Awassi sheep in the Şahinbey district of Gaziantep province, Turkey. The study included anamnesis, clinical examination of the herd, anatomohistopathological examination of a goat carcase, and laboratory tests on sera from 32 goats and six sheep. Clinical findings, postmortem examination and laboratory results demonstrated that changes in the ration during pregnancy led to pregnancy toxaemia in the goats carrying multiple fetuses. The case report also provides significant insights into the development and outcomes of pregnancy toxaemia in the prepartum period in goats carrying multiple fetuses. Finally, this study underscores the critical importance of carefully planning and implementing a balanced and adequate nutritional management strategy to prevent pregnancy toxaemia, particularly in small ruminants carrying multiple fetuses.

A review on Biofortification of Crops: A Nutritional Strategy for Combating Malnutrition

Biofortification is an innovative agricultural approach aimed at reducing global micronutrient deficiencies, often referred to as "hidden hunger," by enhancing the nutritional quality of staple crops through breeding, genetic engineering, and agronomic practices. This strategy targets essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and provitamin A, particularly in regions where diets are predominantly based on nutrient-poor staple foods. Biofortified crops, such as vitamin A-enriched sweet potatoes and iron-rich beans, have demonstrated significant improvements in nutrient intake and health outcomes, including reduced anemia and enhanced child growth. Despite its promise, the adoption and widespread implementation of biofortified crops face multiple challenges, including technical constraints in breeding for nutrient stability and bioavailability, regulatory barriers for genetically modified varieties, and socio-cultural resistance due to consumer preferences and lack of awareness. Moreover, environmental factors, such as soil nutrient content and agro-ecosystem dynamics, can influence the success and sustainability of biofortification. Addressing these issues requires advancing research in nutrient bioavailability, developing more resilient crop varieties, and incorporating biofortification into broader food and nutrition policies. Scaling up biofortified crops will depend on effective community engagement, public-private partnerships, and integration into existing agricultural extension systems. Successful examples, such as the widespread adoption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlight the potential of biofortification to improve nutritional security and livelihoods when supported by targeted advocacy and policy initiatives. Thus, while challenges persist, biofortification remains a valuable, cost-effective solution to addressing micronutrient malnutrition and improving global food security, especially when implemented in tandem with other nutrition and health interventions.

Japonolirion osense, a close relative of the mycoheterotrophic genus Petrosavia, exhibits complete autotrophic capabilities

The plant kingdom exhibits a diversity of nutritional strategies, extending beyond complete autotrophy. In addition to full mycoheterotrophs and holoparasites, it is now recognized that a greater number of green plants than previously assumed use partly of fungal carbon. These are termed partial mycoheterotrophs or mixotrophs. Notably, some species exhibit a dependency on fungi exclusively during early ontogenetic stages, referred to as initial mycoheterotrophy. Japonolirion osense, a rare plant thriving in serpentinite soils, emerges as a potential candidate for initial mycoheterotrophy or mixotrophy. Several factors support this hypothesis, including its diminutive sizes of shoot and and seeds, the establishment of Paris-type arbuscular mycorrhizal associations, its placement within the Petrosaviales—largely composed of fully mycoheterotrophic species—and its ability to face the challenging conditions of its environment. To explore these possibilities, our study adopts a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing stable isotope abundance analyses, in vitro experiments, anatomical analyses, and comparative plastome analyses. Our study aims to (1) determine whether J. osense relies on fungal carbon during germination, indicating initial mycoheterotrophy, (2) determine if it employs a dual carbon acquisition strategy as an adult, and (3) investigate potential genomic reductions in photosynthetic capabilities. Contrary to expectations, our comprehensive findings strongly indicate that J. osense maintains complete autotrophy throughout its life cycle. This underscores the contrasting nutritional strategies evolved by species within the Petrosaviales.

The Analysis Study of Nutritional Management of Patient with Obesity: A Clinical Nutrition Systematic Review

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial condition influenced by a combination of genetic, behavioral, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. The first-line approach for managing obesity typically involves dietary interventions. This systematic review aim to evaluate the current evidence on various nutritional management for obesity based on the literatures of the last 10 years. Methods: The study adhered to PRISMA 2020 standards, examining English literature from 2014 to 2024. It excluded editorials, reviews from the same journal, and submissions without a DOI. PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar were utilized as literature sources. Result: Initially retrieving 360 articles from online databases (PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink and Google Scholar) eight relevant papers were selected after three rounds of screening for full-text analysis. Conclusion: Different nutritional strategies offer distinct benefits for managing obesity, with Mediterranean, anti-inflammatory, and low-carbohydrate diets showing promise. The key lies in promoting adherence and maintaining weight loss through tailored, sustainable interventions.

Bridging the Gap: A Sociological Review of Agricultural Development Strategies for Food Security and Nutrition

Bridging the Gap: A Sociological Review of Agricultural Development Strategies for Food Security and Nutrition

Caloric requirement targets for nutritional support in adult autoimmune encephalitis: a retrospective cohort study.

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is a severe neurological disease often accompanied by consciousness disturbances, severe swallowing difficulties, and gastrointestinal dysfunction, increasing the risk of malnutrition. However, the optimal caloric intake target during the acute phase of AE remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the impact of caloric intake on short-term clinical outcomes in AE patients, specifically focusing on the improvement in Clinical Assessment Scale for Autoimmune Encephalitis (CASE) scores, to provide recommendations for nutritional support during the acute phase. A retrospective study analyzed clinical data from 128 adult AE patients requiring nutritional support, admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from January 2020 to January 2024. Patients were categorized into low-calorie intake (below 70% of requirements), standard-calorie intake (70-100% of requirements), and high-calorie intake (above 100% of requirements) groups. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to quantify the associations. Higher caloric intake was significantly associated with improved CASE scores (β = 8.58, SE = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.14 to 16.03, p = 0.02). Low caloric intake negatively impacted the improvement of CASE scores (p = 0.049), particularly in seizures and speech problems. The low-calorie intake group had significantly longer hospital stays and nutrition therapy durations (45.79 ± 30.98 days, p < 0.01; 40.39 ± 31.92 days, p = 0.02). Adequate caloric intake has a significant positive impact on the short-term clinical outcomes of AE patients, suggesting that meeting or exceeding caloric requirements may promote neurological recovery in AE patients. Future prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and further optimize nutritional support strategies.

Assessing Energy Availability and Glucose Dynamics in Adolescent Cyclists: Implications for Nutritional Interventions During the Competitive Season

Background: The risk of developing a state of low energy availability (LEA) (&lt;30 kcals/kg free-fat mass) in endurance athletes is known and recommendations for nutrition are available. However, information on male adolescent cyclists and the influence of hot temperatures is limited. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact on energy availability of two 4-day nutritional intervention strategies: (1) supplementary carbohydrate (CHO) intake during exercise and (2) designing and implementing individual nutritional interventions. Methods: Each intervention was preceded by a 4-day basal assessment. Eight competitive male junior road cyclists (aged 16–17 years) were investigated using a 4-day diet and activity records, alongside bioelectric impedance analysis. Their real-time power output, interstitial glucose, and temperature were recorded via sensors and a bike computer. Their energy intake (EI) was estimated from daily, self-reported food diaries. Results: Overall, 100% and 71% of the cyclists were in a state of LEA during the baseline assessment of the supplementary CHO and nutritional interventions, respectively. LEA prevalence, not modified by supplementary CHO intake alone (from 100% to 87%, ns), was markedly reduced by the individual nutritional intervention (from 71% to 14%, p &lt; 0.05). When considering all the data as a whole, LEA was positively influenced by the training load (OR 1.06; 95% Cl 1.03 to 1.09) and free-fat mass (OR 1.46; 1.04 to 2.04) and was negatively affected by EI (OR 0.994; 0.991 to 0.997). A hot environment (air temperature) failed to influence the LEA or glucose dynamics. Conclusions: the nutritional intervention, but not the supplementary CHO intake, markedly reduced the prevalence of LEA in adolescents, who often fail to match their energy expenditure with their energy intake during the competitive season. Nutritional education is essential for adolescent endurance cycling teams.

Early Enteral Feeding Restores Neurofilament Light Chain Serum Levels in Preterm Newborns.

Positive effects of early nutritional strategies on neurological outcomes have been observed when nutrients were administered by the enteral route, especially during the first week of life. Evidence reports that serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), a structural protein of neurons, is a specific and reliable biomarker of neuronal damage. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of early enteral nutrition (EN) in minimizing neuroaxonal damage and assessing NfL serum levels in preterm neonates. Fifty-four preterm neonates without severe brain impairment and 20 full-term babies as controls were enrolled from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Policlinico Umberto I in Rome. We performed blood sampling at birth (day of life 0 - DoL 0) in 20 full-term newborns and in 19 pre-term infants. Furthermore, we executed blood sampling at DoL 28 in other 22 pre-term newborns who received early enteral nutrition (EN) within the third DoL (Early-EN) and in 13 other pre-term newborns who received EN after the third DoL (Late-EN). Serum levels of NfL were higher in preterm babies when compared to full-term neonates, at DoL 0 (48.81 ± 9.4 vs. 11.67 ± 1.4 pg/ml; p = 0.007). Interestingly, at DoL 28, serum NfL was significantly decreased in the Early-EN newborns compared to the Late-EN groups (15.22 ± 2.0 vs. 50.05 ± 17.9 pg/ml; p = 0.03). It was shown that early enteral feeding, within the first week of life, could be a useful tool for limiting neurological impairment in pre-term neonates by restoring NfL.

Innovation and Utilization of Functional Feed Additives from Maize By-Products in Broiler Chickens

Supplementation with spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as an exogenous enzyme in broiler diets represents a promising nutritional strategy to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. To assess the effects of SMS enzyme products on various parameters, including growth performance, blood chemistry, carcass and meat quality, and gut health, a study was conducted with one-day-old broilers (n = 500). The broilers were separated into five groups: a control diet (CON) and an antibiotic group (AGP) which were added to the diet at 0.25 g kg−1, and SMS from Flammulina velutipes supplementation groups which were added to the diet at 0.5 g kg−1 (SMS0.5), 1.0 g kg−1 (SMS1.0), and 2.0 g kg−1 (SMS2.0). Final body weight and average daily gain in broilers which were fed the AGP diet were higher than in broilers which were fed the CON, SMS0.5, and SMS1.0 diets. Broilers in the CON group had a decreased average daily feed intake compared to other groups. The addition of AGP and SMS2.0 diets improved the feed conversion ratio and reduced the feed cost per gain in broilers. Broilers that were fed the CON diet had the highest serum cholesterol, while the AGP diet increased triglyceride. Dietary supplementation of SMS improved some carcass characteristics and ceacum microbial content in broilers, especially with the SMS2.0 diet. Broiler fed CON and SMS0.5 worsened the villus height/crypt depth ratio of duodenum histology. In conclusion, SMS supplementation at 1.0 and 2.0 g kg−1 can improve productive performance and health in broiler diets; however, SMS2.0 had the best efficiency.

Unraveling the Gut Microbiota: Implications for Precision Nutrition and Personalized Medicine

Recent studies have shown a growing interest in the complex relationship between the human gut microbiota, metabolism, and overall health. This review aims to explore the gut microbiota–host association, focusing on its implications for precision nutrition and personalized medicine. The objective is to highlight how gut microbiota modulate metabolic and immune functions, contributing to disease susceptibility and wellbeing. The review synthesizes recent research findings, analyzing key studies on the influence of gut microbiota on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, intestinal health, neurobehavioral regulation, and endocrine signaling. Data were drawn from both experimental and clinical trials examining microbiota–host interactions relevant to precision nutrition. Our findings highlight the essential role of gut microbiota-derived metabolites in regulating host metabolism, including lipid and glucose pathways. These metabolites have been found to influence immune responses and gut barrier integrity. Additionally, the microbiota impacts broader physiological processes, including neuroendocrine regulation, which could be crucial for dietary interventions. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of dietary–microbiota–host interactions is pivotal for advancing personalized nutrition strategies. Tailored dietary recommendations based on individual gut microbiota compositions hold promise for improving health outcomes, potentially revolutionizing future healthcare approaches across diverse populations.