Omega-3 Research Articles

The Role of Dietary Antioxidants, Food Supplements and Functional Foods for Energy Enhancement in Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals frequently experience significant work overload, which often leads to substantial physical and psychological stress. This stress is closely linked to increased oxidative stress and a corresponding decline in energy levels. This scoping review investigates the potential impact of dietary antioxidants and food supplements in conjunction with diet in controlling these negative effects. Through an analysis of the biochemical pathways involved in oxidative stress and energy metabolism, the paper emphasizes the effectiveness of targeted dietary interventions. Key dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, polyphenols, and carotenoids, are evaluated for their ability to counteract oxidative stress and enhance energy levels. Additionally, the review assesses various food supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and ginseng, and their mechanisms of action in energy enhancement. Practical guidelines for incorporating energy-boost dietary strategies into the routine of healthcare professionals are provided, emphasizing the importance of dietary modifications in reducing oxidative stress and improving overall well-being and performance in high-stress healthcare environments. The review concludes by suggesting directions for future research to validate these findings and to explore new dietary interventions that may further support healthcare professionals under work overload.

The role of omega-3 fatty acids in acute pancreatitis.

Prior observational studies have reported the potential protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the prognosis of acute pancreatitis. However, the causal impact of omega-3 fatty acids on acute pancreatitis is unclear. We aimed to investigate further the association of omega-3 fatty acids with acute pancreatitis. We performed a meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the association between omega-3 fatty acids and the prognosis of acute pancreatitis from clinical observation and genetics perspectives, respectively. 9 randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The result meta-analysis showed that complementary therapy of omega-3 fatty acids significantly decreased mortality (RR: 0.30; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.65, P＜0.05) and infectious complications in acute pancreatitis (RR: 0.45; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.77, P＜0.05). Compared to the control groups, the hospital stays (MD: -1.02; 95% CI -1.85 to -0.20, P＜0.05) in acute pancreatitis patients with omega-3 fatty acids treatment were statistically reduced. However, the ICU stay (MD: -0.49; 95% CI -1.29 to -0.31, P＞0.05) between control groups and acute pancreatitis patients with omega-3 fatty acids treatment was insignificant. Utilizing genetic susceptibility analysis in the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, the MR showed omega-3 fatty acids have a significant causal effect on the acute pancreatitis risk (OR, 0.887; 95% CI, 0.797-0.986, P = 0.027, fixed-effect; OR, 0.887; 95% CI, 0.792-0.993, P = 0.037, random-effect). Omega-3 fatty acids complementary therapy may improve the prognosis of acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, genetically predicted serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids can significantly lower acute pancreatitis risk.

Reduction of Chemokine CXCL9 Expression by Omega-3 Fatty Acids via ADP-Ribosylhydrolase ARH3 in MIN6 Insulin-Producing Cells.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing β cells of the pancreas. Omega-3 fatty acids protect β cells and reduce the incidence of T1D, but the mechanism is poorly understood. We have shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated β-cell apoptosis by upregulating the expression of the ADP-ribosylhydrolase ARH3. Here, we further investigate the β-cell protection mechanism of ARH3 by performing siRNA analysis of its gene Adprhl2 in MIN6 insulin-producing cells, subsequent treatment with a cocktail of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β+IFN-γ+TNF-α, followed by proteomics analysis. ARH3 regulated proteins from several pathways related to the nucleus (splicing, RNA surveillance, and nucleocytoplasmic transport), mitochondria (metabolic pathways), and endoplasmic reticulum (protein folding). ARH3 also regulated the levels of proteins related to antigen processing and presentation, and the chemokine-signaling pathway. We further studied the role of ARH3 in regulating the chemokine CXCL9. We found that ARH3 reduces the cytokine-induced expression of CXCL9, which is dependent on omega-3 fatty acids. In conclusion, we demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acids regulate CXCL9 expression via ARH3, which may have a role in protecting β cells from immune attack thereby preventing T1D development. Significance of the Study: Omega-3 fatty acids have a variety of health benefits. In type 1 diabetes, omega-3 fatty acids reduce the islet autoimmune response and the disease development. Here, we studied the pathways regulated by the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylhydrolase ARH3, a protein whose expression is regulated by omega-3 fatty acids. We showed that ARH3 reduces the expression of chemokines in response to omega-3 fatty acids. This represents an anti-inflammatory mechanism of omega-3 fatty acids that might be involved with protection against type 1 diabetes development.

Transcriptome-guided breeding for Paspalum notatum: producing apomictic hybrids with enhanced omega-3 content

Key messageTranscriptomics- and FAME-GC-MS-assisted apomixis breeding generated Paspalum notatum hybrids with clonal reproduction and increased α-linolenic acid content, offering the potential to enhance livestock product's nutritional quality and reduce methane emissions A low omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio is considered an indicator of the nutritional impact of milk fat on human health. In ruminants, major long-chain fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (18:2, omega-6) and α-linolenic acid (18:3, omega-3), originate from dietary sources and reach the milk via the bloodstream. Since forages are the primary source of long-chain fatty acids for such animals, they are potential targets for improving milk lipid composition. Moreover, a high 18:3 content in their diet is associated with reduced methane emissions during grazing. This work aimed to develop genotypes of the forage grass Paspalum notatum with high leaf 18:3 content and the ability for clonal reproduction via seeds (apomixis). We assembled diploid and polyploid Paspalum notatum leaf transcriptomes and recovered sequences of two metabolism genes associated with the establishment of lipid profiles, namely SUGAR-DEPENDENT 1 (SDP1) and PEROXISOMAL ABC TRANSPORTER 1 (PXA1). Primers were designed to amplify all expressed paralogs in leaves. qPCR was used to analyse SDP1 and PXA1 expression in seven divergent genotypes. Reduced levels of SDP1 and PXA1 were found in the polyploid sexual genotype Q4188. Fatty acid methyl esters/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (FAME/GC/MS) assays confirmed an increased percentage of 18:3 in this genotype. Crosses between Q4188 and the obligate apomictic pollen donor Q4117 resulted in two apomictic F1 hybrids (JS9 and JS71) with reduced SDP1 and PXA1 levels, increased 18:3 content, and clonal maternal reproduction. These materials could enhance milk and meat quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions during grazing.

The role of circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids in mediating the effect of BMI on leukocyte telomere length: analysis using Mendelian randomization

Backgroundpolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a category of fatty acids that contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which constitute a substantial portion of the Western diet and are vital for maintaining human wellness. The extent to which circulating PUFAs influence the effects of BMI on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is unknown. Additionally, the impact of circulating PUFA on LTL remains controversial in observational studies.MethodsUsing publicly accessible datasets, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out to determine genetic association estimates for BMI, circulating PUFAs, and LTL. The circulating PUFAs considered were omega-3 PUFAs (i.e., docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total omega-3 PUFAs) and omega-6 PUFAs (i.e., linoleic acid (LA) and total omega-6 PUFAs). Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to investigate the causal relationships between BMI and PUFA with LTL. Additionally, we examined whether certain PUFA mediate the impact of BMI on LTL.ResultsNone of the evidence supported a causal effect of genetically predicted DHA and total omega-3 PUFA on LTL (DHA: β = 0.001, 95% CI: −0.023 to 0.026, p = 0.926; total omega-3 PUFA: β = 0.008, 95% CI: −0.013 to 0.029, p = 0.466). After conducting sensitivity analyses to account for various models of horizontal pleiotropy, the causal association between higher levels of LA and longer LTL persisted (β = 0.034, 95% CI 0.016 to 0.052, p < 0.001). Adjusting for LA in genetics reduced the effect of BMI on LTL from β = -0.039 (95% CI: -0.058 to -0.020, p < 0.001) to -0.034 (95% CI: -0.054 to -0.014, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis MR study indicates that an increase in genetically predicted circulating LA levels is associated with longer LTL. Additionally, it appears that circulating LA levels play a role in mediating some of the impact that BMI has on LTL.

Omega-3 Levels in Prenatal Supplements.

This study aimed to systematically document the reported omega-3 levels in commercially available prenatal supplements in the United States and Canada, and compare these levels to recommended intakes in pregnancy. Commercial prenatal supplements were identified using the Dietary Supplement Label Database (n = 50) and the Licensed Natural Health Products Database (n = 18). Mean omega-3 levels and the proportion of products meeting recommendations for pregnant women were tabulated. Average omega-3 levels were 368 ± 33 mg in the United States and 404 ± 72 mg in Canada. Seventy percent of products in the United States and 61% in Canada contained the amount of omega-3 levels recommended for pregnant women with sufficient intakes. Sixteen percent of products in the United States and 28% in Canada contained the dose recommended for pregnant women with insufficient intakes. These results illustrate that commercial prenatal supplements contain a wide variety of omega-3 fatty acid levels that may or may not be consistent with recommended intake levels. · most pregnant women consume inadequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.. · omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent preterm birth.. · new guidelines recommend increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy.. · prenatal supplements contain a wide variety of omega-3 fatty acid levels.. · omega-3 levels in prenatal supplements may or may not be consistent with recommended intake levels..

Development and study of the nutritional value and storage stability of a soft cottage cheese product enriched with collagen and antioxidant-rich plant extracts

This study investigates the development of a novel soft cottage cheese product enriched with collagen concentrate from poultry processing by-products and antioxidant-rich plant extracts for the adaptive nutrition of athletes. Collagen concentrate was obtained from chicken skin, bone tissue, and feet through enzymatic hydrolysis and freeze-drying. Antioxidant-rich extracts were prepared from sea buckthorn and cinnamon rosehip using ethanol extraction. The plant extract demonstrated high antioxidant potential, containing 1.98% phenolic compounds, 29.8 mg/100g vitamin A, 48.9 mg/100g vitamin E, and 756.4 mg/100g vitamin C. The antioxidant extract demonstrated significant immune-boosting effects in experimental rats by enhancing lymphocyte and T-cell counts. Various ratios of collagen concentrate and plant extract were tested in the cottage cheese product. Optimal water-holding capacity and effective viscosity were achieved with a 6:4 or 8:4 collagen-to-extract ratio, balancing collagen’s gelation properties with the antioxidant benefits. The addition of 8% dry collagen concentrate and 4% sea buckthorn and rosehip extract resulted in an enhanced nutritional profile, particularly through increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), vitamins A, C, E, and essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Storage stability studies indicated optimal preservation of product structure at 0-2°C for up to 96 hours, maintaining a viscosity loss coefficient between 15.0-15.8%. This enhanced soft cottage cheese product demonstrates improved nutritional profiles and antioxidant properties while maintaining structural stability, making it a promising functional food for athletes and health-conscious consumers.

A Review on Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in the Management of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a persistent neurological disorder distinguished by repetitive episodes of seizures that presents notable complexities for patients and healthcare providers. While phar-macotherapy remains fundamental in its management, the emergence of functional foods and nutraceuticals has garnered attention as adjunctive therapeutic options. This review examines the role of functional foods and nutraceuticals in epilepsy management, examining their mech-anisms of action, evidence-based efficacy, and safety profiles. The review delineates various functional foods and nutraceuticals exhibiting promise in epilepsy management, encompassing omega-3 fatty acids, the ketogenic diet, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. Mechanically, these substances modulate neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release, and neuroinflamma-tion, thus exerting anticonvulsant effects. Furthermore, they may augment the efficacy of con-ventional antiepileptic drugs while mitigating their adverse effects. Clinical investigations as-sessing the efficacy of functional foods and nutraceuticals in epilepsy management have yield-ed encouraging findings, albeit necessitating further inquiry to ascertain optimal dosing proto-cols and long-term safety considerations. Additionally, challenges such as bioavailability, formulation standardization, and patient adherence warrant attention to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Nutraceuticals in veterinary ophthalmology: fact, fiction or both?

This review examines the use of nutraceuticals in canine and feline ocular diseases, highlighting their potential benefits and the dangers of misinformation. While certain products like curcumin, beta-glucans and resveratrol show promise against feline herpesvirus, false claims surrounding L-carnitine for cataracts are emphasised. While L-carnitine may slow cataract progression, it cannot reverse cataracts or replace surgery. Alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant, holds potential for diabetes-related cataracts, while lutein, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids might slow age-related changes. Despite limited evidence, neuroprotective substances like grape seed extract, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamins are used for degenerative retinal and optic nerve diseases, aiming to slow or prevent vision loss. Future research is crucial to solidify their efficacy and avoid misleading pet owners.

A sex-based growth performance, gene expression, fillet quality and fatty acid profile in GIFT tilapia cultured in field conditions

A 180 day field trial was carried out to study the growth performance, gene expression, fillet quality and fatty acid profile of male and female GIFT tilapia. Four month old male (180 fish with an average body weight of 72.75 ± 0.76 g) and female (180 fish with an average body weight of 72.25 ± 0.76 g) tilapia were segregated manually by seeing their genital papilla and were stocked, separately, in six hapas (60 fish/hapa) with each sex in triplicate conditions. The stocked fish were fed twice a day, with GROWPIA feed (floating pellet – 3 mm dia; crude protein - 28 %), at the rate of 5–8 %. The study found significant difference in growth performance between male and female GIFT tilapia. After 180 days of culture, male GIFT tilapia showed significantly higher specific growth rate (4.31 ± 0.001 % /day), average body weight gain (737.85 ± 0.25 g) and feed utilization indicators in terms of better apparent feed conversion ratio (1.69 ± 0.05), higher feed efficiency ratio (0.59 ± 0.02) and protein efficiency ratio (2.10 ± 0.07) compared to female GIFT. On the other hand, the female GIFT tilapia displayed downregulation in the gene expression of IGF-1/IGF-2, myoD, myogenin and upregulation of myostatin. However, the study did not find any significant difference in survival rate at the end of experiment. Similarly, there was no significant difference in fillet yield (%) and it was in the range of 43.93–45.49 % between male and female GIFT tilapia. Fillet nutritional quality analysis indicated significantly lower moisture (76.43 %) and ash (4.27 %) contents and higher crude lipid content (12.41 %) in female GIFT tilapia. Interestingly, the study found statistically similar fatty acid profile between male and female tilapia, however, the fatty acid contents of PUFA (19.38 ± 0.69 %), DHA/EPA (2.56 ± 0.38), omega-3 fatty acid (5.11 ± 0.32 %) and omega-6 fatty acid (14.27 ± 0.37 %) was found to be slightly better in male GIFT tilapia. Overall, the study found better growth performance in male GIFT tilapia and nutritionally similar fillets quality between male and female GIFT tilapia.

Effect of an Enteral Formula Enriched With ω-3 Fatty Acids, Carnitine, and Vitamin D on Body Weight, Heart Weight, and Blood Biochemical Parameters in a Dahl Rat Heart Failure Model.

Malnutrition is known to worsen the prognosis of chronic heart failure (HF). To gain information that may be helpful in establishing appropriate nutritional interventions for chronic HF, this study was performed to investigate the efficacy of nutritional management with 2 enteral formulas, EH, with a standard nutritional composition, and ER, fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and carnitine. Experiments were performed in a Dahl rat HF model. After being fed a standard rodent feed (MF) containing 8% NaCl (high salt-MF [HS-MF]) from 6 to 11 weeks of age, rats were assigned to freeze-dried EH or ER diets with an NaCl concentration of 8% (HS-ER or HS-EH) until 18 weeks of age. Serum albumin was significantly higher at 14 and 17 weeks of age in rats fed the HS-ER and HS-EH diets compared with those remaining on the HS-MF diet. Body weight was also significantly higher at 14 and 17 weeks of age in animals fed the HS-ER diet, showing that nutritional deterioration was prevented. In addition, heart weight was significantly lower at 18 weeks of age in the HS-ER group than that in the HS-MF group, suggesting that cardiac hypertrophy was prevented. This study demonstrated improved nutritional status in a HF model in Dahl rats presumably owing to differences in nutritional composition in the diets. Future studies are needed to explore optimal nutritional management with enteral formulas in patients with chronic HF.

A large, multi-site lipidomic investigation of parity and aging in dairy cows.

Efforts to optimize the longevity of dairy cows are hindered by the increased risk of adverse health events, culling or dying on farm with increased parity. Lipidomics provides a platform to help identify important biomarkers and biological pathways associated with increased parity and associated aging. A large, multi-site (15 pasture-based, 15 TMR farms) cross-sectional study collected plasma samples from nonlactating, late pregnant, 'dry' cow (696 cows, ~27 d prepartum) and peak-milk cows (796 cows, ~58 DIM) in a disproportionate stratified (parity: 0, 1, 2, > 2 for dry cows; 1, 2, 3, > 3 for peak-milk cows) random sampling frame. A total of 185 lipid species, comprising the lipids classes of phospholipids, sphingomyelins (SM) and triacylglycerols, were quantified in a targeted, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach. Dry and peak-milk cohorts were analyzed separately throughout. Variation in lipid profiles was mostly attributed to farm of origin (36-41% of variation), with feeding system explaining 13-21% and parity 6-9%, according to ANOVA simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) modeling. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and orthogonal-partial least squares (O-PLS) investigated the association of the lipid profile with age (d), while discriminate analysis compared 1st parity with > 3 parity cows in O-PLS discriminate analysis (O-PLS-DA), random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) models. Rankings of the most important lipid species for each model type were compared. Phospholipids with 40 carbon atoms and 6 double bond equivalents (40:6) were consistently decreased with increasing parity and age across both dry and peak-milk cohorts. These lipids most likely contained stearate (18:0) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6;n-3), an omega-3 fatty acid. Additionally, phospholipids with 40:5, 38:6, lysophosphatidylcholine (17:0), SM(35:1), and SM(35:2) were commonly identified lipids that decreased in concentration with parity and age. Docosahexaenoic acid has been associated with improved cattle health, reproduction, and milk production and quality. This study raises the hypothesis that reduced DHA levels in older cows may be a significant factor increasing susceptibility to adverse health events, reduced reproductive performance, and herd removal. Studies that supplement DHA or its precursors can test this hypothesis and may be important in optimizing longevity of cows.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Protective Factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration: Prospective Cohort and Mendelian Randomization Analyses

Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Protective Factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration: Prospective Cohort and Mendelian Randomization Analyses

Comprehensive lipid profile analysis of three fish roe by untargeted lipidomics using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Fish roe is a significant nutrition source from marine byproducts, containing rich contents of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (n 3-LC PUFAs). However, investigations focused on the nutritional values and lipid composition of various fish roe species are limited. This research aims to perform a high-throughput lipidomics analysis to comprehensively evaluate and compare the lipid profiles of three consumed marine fish roe using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC Q-TOF-MS/MS). Results showed notable differences in three fish roe species in terms of sphingolipids (SLs), phospholipids (PLs), and glycerolipids (GLs) compositions. Furthermore, the high percentages of n-3 PUFA-PLs in yellow croaker and mackerel roe indicate their significant nutritional value. In total, 449 lipid molecular species of 13 lipid subclasses were identified; of them, 31 lipid molecular species could serve as potential biomarkers for the differentiation of three fish roe. This study provides comprehensive lipid profiles of three fish roe, demonstrating their potential values in functional food industries.

The relationship of dietary omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 to omega-3 ratio intake and likelihood of type 2 diabetes in a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is a belief that consuming a significant amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can positively affect chronic diseases. However, the connection between these fatty acids and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk remains unclear. To explore this further, we conducted a study to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (FA), as well as omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and the odds of T2DM.MethodsOur research involved a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort. We evaluated their dietary habits using a comprehensive 118-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). To determine the aforementioned association, we employed logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe prevalence of T2DM among 8744 qualified participants was 751 (8.6%). After considering all the possible factors that could affect the outcome, high dietary omega-3 intake was associated with a 58% lower likelihood of T2DM (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.56; P-trend: <0.001). In contrast, participants at the fourth quartile of the dietary omega 6 to omega 3 FA ratio had a higher odd of T2DM (OR: 1.42; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.84; P-trend: 0.01). Nevertheless, there was no significant connection between the highest and lowest quartile of dietary omega-6 intake (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.71, 1.17; P-trend: 0.80).ConclusionAccording to the study, consuming omega-3 fatty acids through diet was linked with lower odds of type 2 diabetes. Conversely, an elevated omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was associated with a greater likelihood of T2DM.

Genetic engineering of Nannochloropsis oceanica to produce canthaxanthin and ketocarotenoids

BackgroundCanthaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid with high antioxidant activity, and it is primarily produced by microalgae, among which Nannochloropsis oceanica, a marine alga widely used for aquaculture. In the last decade, N. oceanica has become a model organism for oleaginous microalgae to develop sustainable processes to produce biomolecules of interest by exploiting its photosynthetic activity and carbon assimilation properties. N. oceanica can accumulate lipids up to 70% of total dry weight and contains the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) required for both food and feed applications. The genome sequence, other omics data, and synthetic biology tools are available for this species, including an engineered strain called LP-tdTomato, which allows homologous recombination to insert the heterologous genes in a highly transcribed locus in the nucleolus region. Here, N. oceanica was engineered to induce high ketocarotenoid and canthaxanthin production.ResultsWe used N. oceanica LP-tdTomato strain as a background to express the key enzyme for ketocarotenoid production, a β-carotene ketolase (CrBKT) from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Through the LP-tdTomato strain, the transgene insertion by homologous recombination in a highly transcribed genomic locus can be screened by negative fluorescence. The overexpression of CrBKT in bkt transformants increased the content of carotenoids and ketocarotenoids per cell, respectively, 1.5 and 10-fold, inducing an orange/red color in the bkt cell cultures. Background (LP) and bkt lines productivity were compared at different light intensities from 150 to 1200 µmol m-2 s-1: at lower irradiances, the growth kinetics of bkt lines were slower compared to LP, while higher productivity was measured for bkt lines at 1200 µmol m-2 s-1. Despite these results, the highest canthaxanthin and ketocarotenoids productivity were obtained upon cultivation at 150 µmol m-2 s-1.ConclusionsThrough targeted gene redesign and heterologous transformation, ketocarotenoids and canthaxanthin content were significantly increased, achieving 0.3% and 0.2% dry weight. Canthaxanthin could be produced using CO2 as the only carbon source at 1.5 mg/L titer. These bkt-engineered lines hold potential for industrial applications in fish or poultry feed sectors, where canthaxanthin and ketocarotenoids are required as pigmentation agents.

Forage lucerne for grazing dairy cows: effects on milk yield, milk urea and fatty acid composition

Context The value of milk components is increasingly recognised for human health benefits (e.g. omega-3 fatty acids, FA), or indicators of nutrient-use efficiency for both animal and environmental benefits (e.g. milk urea, MU). Aims The study explored whether inclusion of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) in a perennial ryegrass and white clover (Lolium perenne L. and Trifolium repens L, PRW)-based diet affects milk production, MU concentration, and milk FA composition of dairy cows during mid-lactation. Methods Thirty-two cows, balanced for milk production (26.1 ± 3.03 kg/cow), MU (16.6 ± 2.84 mg/dL), and days in milk (94 ± 7 days), were evenly allocated into eight groups of four. Groups were then randomly assigned one of two dietary treatments, namely, PRW only (control), and PRW plus lucerne (lucerne). During an 8-day adaptation, control cows were fed a fresh allocation after each milking at 08:30 hours and 16:00 hours to provide 25 kg/cow.day DM of fresh PRW herbage above a target post-grazing height of 4.5 cm height. Cows on lucerne were allocated 10 kg DM of fresh lucerne at 08:30 hours, and 15 kg DM of fresh PRW at 16:00 hours. Apparent nutrient intakes and milk composition were determined on Days 9 and 10 of the study. Key results Diet treatment did not significantly alter DM or metabolisable energy intake, milk production, or milk fat and protein percentage. However, compared with control cows, nitrogen and linoleic acid (LA) intake increased, and soluble carbohydrate, neutral detergent fibre, and alpha linoleic acid (ALA) intake decreased for cows fed lucerne. Milk urea increased by 43% for lucerne compared with control cows (22.4 vs 15.7 ± 1.43 mg/dL, P &lt; 0.001). Cows grazing lucerne produced milk with a higher concentration of LA and ALA than did the control cows. Increases in milk LA from grazing lucerne were congruent with improvement in intake of the FA from the diet, whereas increases in ALA occurred despite the corresponding lower dietary intake. Conclusion Supplementing a pasture diet with lucerne increased MU and FA. Implications Lucerne has the potential to enhance dietary protein supply during periods of deficiency and increase the supply of functional FA in the milk of grazing dairy cattle.

Association of Dietary Fats with Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD): A Sustainable Decision

Abstract Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) account for almost 70% of deaths worldwide among non-communicable illnesses. The most common type of CVDs is ischemic heart disease (IHD). The Global Burden of Disease estimates that 126 million people are affected by IHD. This represents 1.72% of the world’s population. IHD may be avoided by practicing lifestyle management, including a balanced diet. One of the important components of a balanced diet is a precise fat choice. Based on our recent study, while other dietary fatty acids did not significantly increase the risk of IHD, it was discovered that healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may lower the risk of IHD. Increased DHA consumption in the diet may be suggested as a preventative measure against IHD episodes if the findings of this study are validated in further investigations. DHA is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet, primarily obtained through regular fish consumption, and contributes to the overall health benefits. The Mediterranean diet, a model of a sustainable diet by balancing factors and its holistic approach to sustainability, makes it a valuable pattern for promoting both human and planetary health. Information © The Authors 2024

Environmental Factors in Type 1 Diabetes.

The contribution of environmental factors to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes is considered substantial, but their identification has turned out to be challenging. Large prospective studies are crucial for reliable identification of environmental risk and protective factors. However, only few large prospective birth cohort studies have been carried out. Enterovirus infections have shown quite consistent risk association with the initiation of islet autoimmunity (IA) across these studies. Also, certain dietary factors have been consistently associated with IA risk, omega-3 fatty acids inversely, and childhood cow's milk intake directly. However, the mechanisms of these associations are not fully understood, and possible causality has not been confirmed. Clinical trial programs with enterovirus vaccines and antiviral drugs are in progress to evaluate the causality of enterovirus association. The only nutritional primary prevention randomized trial, TRIGR, did not find a difference between weaning to extensively hydrolyzed versus conventional cow's milk-based infant formula.

Bridging the Gap: Supplements Strategies from Experimental Research to Clinical Applications in Sarcopenic Obesity

Obesity causes fat accumulation, and sarcopenia causes loss of muscle mass and strength; together, they worsen insulin resistance and accelerate muscle decline, creating a harmful cycle. Some supplements, along with physical exercise, could be remedies for sarcopenic obesity (SO). In this review, we aim to draw a comparison between supplements studied in experimental research and those evaluated in clinical studies for SO. In experimental studies, Sea Buckthorn—in forms such as oil, freeze-dried powder or pomace—has been shown to enhance muscle cell growth, improve gut microbiota, provide hypoglycemic benefits and increase muscle mass by promoting protein synthesis. Increased consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids may play a protective role against SO in women. Melatonin may positively impact obesity and SO by reducing oxidative stress. Elevated irisin levels, such as those observed with vitamin D supplementation, could prevent muscle wasting and fat gain in SO by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. There have been many studies highlighting the potential of vitamin D in preventing age related sarcopenia; however, the effect of vitamin D supplementation in SO is under-researched and appears less promising. Future clinical trials using natural supplements hold promise, as these provide multiple beneficial components that may work synergistically to treat SO.