Red Meat Research Articles

Study on the mediating and moderating effects of food intake on blood glucose levels

Objective: Analyze the mediating and moderating effects of the relationship between food intake and blood glucose levels. Methods: This study uses data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey project in the survey 2018, involving 11 043 adults aged 18 years or older, who have complete dietary data, waist circumference (WC), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) indicators, and other key variables. Food consumption data was gathered via three consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls and weighing accounting method, which included two weekdays and one weekend day. The average daily intake of various foods and total energy intake were calculated. The mediation effect and moderation effect analysis were conducted using simple mediation models, direct moderation effect models, and moderated mediation analysis theoretical models. The confidence interval method (bootstrap method) was performed for testing and analysis. Results: A total of 4 951 males and 6 092 females were included in the stratified analysis by gender. The mediating effects on the rice, wheat, and red meat→WC→HbA1c were all statistically significant in males. The standardized coefficients were -0.009 (P<0.001), 0.013 (P<0.001), and -0.005 (P=0.008), respectively. In females, the mediating effect on the wheat→WC→HbA1c was statistically significant, and the standardized coefficient was 0.017 (P<0.001); the impact of red meat intake on HbA1c is negatively regulated by the intake of dark vegetables, with a direct moderating effect; the standardized coefficient of the interaction term between red meat and dark vegetables was -0.024 (P=0.008). Dark vegetables have a moderated mediator on the pathway from rice to WC and HbA1c (a3b1=-0.003, P=0.041) in males. The mediating effect of WC is negatively regulated by the intake of dark vegetables (mediation effect difference U1/-1=-0.006, P=0.048). Dark vegetables showed a moderated mediator on the pathway from wheat to WC and HbA1c (a3b1=-0.004, P=0.045) in females. The mediating effect of WC is negatively regulated by the intake of dark vegetables (mediation effect difference U1/-1=-0.009, P=0.049). Conclusions: Changes in WC indicators caused by rice, wheat, and red meat intake. WC could mediate between rice, wheat, red meat, and HbA1c. Dark vegetables directly or indirectly regulate HbA1c levels by interacting with rice, wheat, and red meat.

Quantity and variety of food groups consumption and the risk of hypertension in adults: a prospective cohort study.

The prospective association of dietary diversity and different food groups with the risk of hypertension in the general Chinese adults has not been evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of variety and quantity of 12 major food groups with new-onset hypertension in the Chinese adults. A total of 11,118 adults from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) were included. The study outcome was new-onset hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg or diagnosed hypertension by physician or under antihypertensive treatment during the follow-up. During a median follow-up period of 6.0 years, 3867 participants occurred new-onset hypertension. There was a L-shaped relationship of dietary variety score with new-onset hypertension (P for nonlinearity < 0.001). Compared with those in the quartile 1 of dietary variety score, participants in the quartile 2-4 were associated with a significantly lower risk of hypertension (HR, 0.64; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.69). In addition, there were U-shaped associations of dairy products, vegetables, aquatic products, nuts, red meat, whole grains, refined grains, processed meat, and poultry intake with new-onset hypertension, and L-shaped associations of fruits, legumes, and eggs intake with new-onset hypertension (all P for nonlinearity < 0.001). In conclusion, there was an inverse association of dietary variety score with new-onset hypertension in the Chinese adults. Furthermore, there was a negative association between different food group intake and new-onset hypertension when food group intake was relatively low; however, the risk of hypertension increased or plateaued when the intake exceeded a certain threshold.

Evaluation of the risk of developing colorectal cancer in the general public: a cross-sectional study

To analyze the risks of developing colorectal neoplasms in the general population. This is a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The study was directed to the virtual environment to reach a representative number of participants. The target population of the research was the general population. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) version 20.0 software was used for tabulation, analysis and interpretation of the collected data. It is noteworthy that 130 (60.5%) of the individuals investigated had a low risk of developing cancer. Factors such as 60 years of age or older, black race/ethnicity and schooling up to elementary school, obesity grade II, presence of inflammatory bowel disease, consumption of red meat, alcohol, tobacco, milk and dairy products, non-consumption of multivitamins, whole grains , fruits and vegetables, and physical inactivity were correlated with risk of developing CRC. It should be noted that it is essential that society has a better understanding of this neoplasm, especially in relation to risk exposure factors, since colorectal cancer has significant mortality rates, thus contributing to the compression of the mechanisms correlated to the emergence of the disease. pathological process and its forms of prevention and mitigation.

A historical cohort study with 27,754 individuals on the association between meat consumption and gastrointestinal tract and colorectal cancer incidence.

In order to explore the association between meat consumption and gastrointestinal/colorectal cancer (CRC) risk and to estimate the Israeli population attributable fraction (PAF), we conducted a collaborative historical cohort study using the individual participant data of seven nutritional studies from the past 6 decades. We included healthy adult men and women who underwent a nutritional interview. Dietary assessment data, using food-frequency or 24-h recall questionnaires, were harmonized. The study file was linked to the National Cancer and death registries. Among 27,754 participants, 1216 (4.4%) were diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers and 839 (3.0%) with CRC by the end of 2016. Using meta-analysis methods applied to Cox proportional hazard models (adjusted for daily energy intake, sex, age, ethnic origin, education and smoking),100 g/day increments in beef, red meat and poultry consumption, and 50 g/day increment in processed meat consumption were associated with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals of 1.46 (1.06-2.02), 1.15 (0.87-1.52), 1.06 (0.89-1.26), and 0.93 (0.76-1.12), respectively, for CRC. Similar results were obtained for gastrointestinal cancer, although red meat consumption reached statistical significance (HR = 1.27; 95%CI: 1.02-1.58). The PAFs associated with a reduction to a maximum of 50 g/day in the consumption of red meat were 2.7% (95%CI: -1.9 to 12.0) and 5.2% (0.3-13.9) for CRC and gastrointestinal cancers, respectively. Reduction of beef consumption to a maximum of 50 g/day will result in a CRC PAF reduction of 7.5% (0.7%-24.3%). While beef consumption was associated with gastrointestinal/CRC excess risk, poultry consumption was not. A substantial part of processed meat consumption in Israel is processed poultry, perhaps explaining the lack of association with CRC.

Healthy Diets and Lifestyles in the World: Mediterranean and Blue Zone People Live Longer. Special Focus on Gut Microbiota and Some Food Components.

Longevity has been associated with healthy lifestyles, including some dietary regimens, such as the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the Blue Zone (BZ) diets. MedDiet relies on a large consumption of fruit, vegetables, cereals, and extra-virgin olive oil, with less red meat and fat intake. Four major BZ have been recognized in the world, namely, Ogliastra in Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), the Peninsula of Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Okinawa (Japan). Extreme longevity in these areas has been associated with correct lifestyles and dietary regimens. Fibers, polyphenols, beta-glucans, and unsaturated fatty acids represent the major constituents of both MedDiet and BZ diets, given their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Particularly, inhibition of the NF-kB pathway, with a reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and induction of T regulatory cells, with the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin- 10, are the main mechanisms that prevent or attenuate the "inflammaging." Notably, consistent physical activity, intense social interactions, and an optimistic attitude contribute to longevity in BZD areas. Commonalities and differences between MedDIet and BZ diets will be outlined, with special reference to microbiota and food components, which may contribute to longevity.

Ability of a dietary index based on the updated algorithm underpinning the Nutri-Score to discriminate food consumption and nutrient intake in a French population of children and adolescents

IntroductionPreventing chronic diseases among children and adolescents requires a comprehensive approach. The Nutri-Score, a front-of-pack nutrition labeling system, may play an important role in public health by enhancing overall nutritional quality of dietary intake, a key modifiable risk factor. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the 2015 and 2023 NS-NPM to discriminate food consumption and nutrient intake in a population of French children and adolescents. MethodsChildren and adolescents (6 to 17 years old) participating in the cross-sectional representative ESTEBAN survey conducted in mainland France were included. Food consumption was assessed with three repeated 24 h dietary recalls. To obtain a dietary score at the individual level, the Nutri-Score nutrient profiling model dietary index (NS-NPM DI) was computed as an energy-weighted mean using the 2015 and the 2023 NS-NPMs and categorized into quartiles. Linear contrasts were used to assess the linearity of the association between the indexes and the intakes. Results1,279 participants (50.2 % boys and 49.8 % girls, mean age 11 years) were included in this study. Using the 2023 NS-NPM DI, participants with more favorable DI (lower NS-NPM DI) consumed higher amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, milk, poultry, fish and seafood and vegetable oils and lower amounts of, processed meat and sweetened foods. In addition, using the NS-NPM DI 2023, participants with more favorable DI (thus more favorable Nutri-Score) had higher intakes of proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and lower intakes of lipids, SFA, MUFA and simple sugars. Compared to the NS-NPM DI 2015, with the updated algorithm, higher differences between quartiles were observed for tubers, fish and seafood, poultry, red meat, processed meat, vegetable oils and vitamin D and E, all in the expected direction (better discrimination). ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that the NS-NPM algorithm underlying Nutri-Score is a useful tool for characterizing the diet quality of children and adolescents. The updated version of this algorithm showed a more discriminatory ability when assessing some animal food groups and vitamin D and E, indicating that the revision of the Nutri-Score represents an improvement for public health purposes.

An Epidemiological Study on Magnitude of Selected Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Risk Factors among First-year MBBS Students.

Previous research has suggested that the prevalence of risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases is higher in South Asians, with premature presentation common in this subpopulation. To explore this further, we assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and risk factors among young adults. This was a cross-sectional, epidemiological, institution-based study conducted at the Medical College in Eastern India. The study aimed to assess the demographic, physical, and biochemical risk factors for MetS among first-year medical students using a predesigned, pretested, semistructured questionnaire. The relationship between socio-demographics and other characteristics of MetS was calculated by using Chi-squared tests and unpaired t-tests. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was significant with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The logistic regression method was applied to find out the strength of the association of sociodemographics and other characteristics with MetS. The study included 150 first-year medical undergraduate students (mean age of 18.5 ± 0.4 years), comprising 68% males. Among students who were smokers, consumed alcohol, and had excessive junk food, salt, and red meat, the risk of MetS was significantly greater (p < 0.00001). The logistic regression revealed that history of smoking [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.32, 95% CI (3.31-9.02)] and history of alcohol intake [AOR 6.23, 95% CI (2.45-8.62)] were significantly associated with greater odds of MetS. In young adults, the risk of premature cardiovascular disease can be reduced by focusing on the early identification and prevention of risk factors for MetS. Context-specific, cost-effective, and feasible interventions to reduce identified risk factors are the need of the hour.

Empirical Study on Consumption Pattern of Poultry Meat in Srinagar City

The consumption pattern of chicken has witnessed significant changes over the years, reflecting shifting preferences, dietary habits, and socioeconomic factors. With an increasing emphasis on health and wellness, consumers are opting for chicken as a healthier alternative to red meat. In India, the meat products sector witnessed remarkable growth, with the Gross Value Added (GVA) surpassing INR 3 trillion in 2021. The market is projected to expand further at a CAGR of 9.2%, reaching INR 3133.41 billion by 2028, driven by the escalating demand for protein-rich foods. Notably, the poultry business is thriving in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kashmir, contributing significantly to this growth. This study delves into the consumption patterns of poultry meat among residents of Srinagar city, focusing on Groups- Government Employees, Private Employees, and Self-Employed individuals. Utilizing a stratified sampling technique, the research ensures representation from diverse employment sectors. The survey, encompassing 152 respondents, revealed that majority (67.8%) consumed poultry on weekly basis, with an average monthly household consumption of 7.20 kilograms, translating to a monthly expenditure of Rs 1052.63 on poultry. The study identified broiler chicken as the preferred type . Interestingly, demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status, and education level demonstrated no significant impact on poultry consumption, while household size, employment nature, number of earners, and income exhibited notable associations. Regarding consumer preferences, internal factor smell and freshness was found to be the most influential while among external factors, affordability had the greatest impact on consumer preference. Overall, internal factors had a higher influence on consumer preference, with a total mean rating of 3.5184, compared to external factors, with a total mean rating of 3.3509. Recognizing substantial impact of internal factors on consumer preference, processing companies should prioritize aligning products with these preferences through market research, innovation, quality assurance, and heightened consumer education.

Plant-based dietary patterns and ultra-processed food consumption: a cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank

Dietary shift towards more plant-based options is increasingly popular, but the quantity of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) they contain is largely unknown. This study assessed the level of UPF and minimally processed food consumption among regular and low red meat eaters, flexitarians, pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans in a large dataset of United Kingdom (UK) adults. This is a cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank participants recruited between December 19, 2006, and October 1, 2010. Responses to food frequency questions were used to identify diet types for vegans (never eating any animal-based foods); vegetarians (never eating meat/fish); pescatarians (never eating meat); flexitarians (consumed fish/meat under twice a week); low red meat eaters (consumed fish/poultry more than once a week but red/processed meat under twice a week); and regular red meat eaters (consumed red/processed meat more than once a week). Consumption of all food and drinks collected in 24-h recalls between April 29, 2009, and June 28, 2012, were categorised using the Nova classification. The primary outcomes are the consumption of UPFs and minimally processed foods, expressed as a percentage of daily food intake (grams/day). Multivariable linear regression assessed the mean percentage point difference in UPF and minimally processed food consumption between diet types. This study included 199,502 UK Biobank participants (mean age 58.2 [standard deviation 7.9] years; 55.1% women). The mean UPF consumption was 24.2%, 21.9%, 22.0%, 20.4%, 23.8%, and 22.7% among 75,091 regular red meat eaters, 70,144 low red meat eaters, 45,057 flexitarians, 4932 pescatarians, 4119 vegetarians and 159 vegans, respectively. The adjusted results suggested that compared with regular red meat eaters, UPF consumption was 1.3 percentage points higher among vegetarians (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9, 1.7) and lower among low red meat eaters (-1.3, 95% CI:-1.4,-1.1), flexitarians (-0.8, 95% CI:-1.0,-0.7), and pescatarians (-1.6, 95% CI:-1.9,-1.2). The UPF consumption in vegans were not significantly different from regular red meat eaters (1.2 percentage points, 95% CI:-0.7, 3.2). Minimally processed food consumption was higher in all other types of diet than regular red meat eaters, with an adjusted percentage point difference ranged from 0.4 (95% CI: 0.005, 0.9) for vegetarians to 3.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 5.5) for vegans compared with regular red meat eaters. This UK-based study found higher UPF consumption in vegetarian diets and lower in diets with a modest amount of meat or fish. It is important that policies which encourage the urgently needed transition to more sustainable dietary patterns also promote rebalancing diets towards minimally processed foods. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research, World Cancer Research Fund.

Are healthy diets also sustainable? Experimental study using a Fake Food Buffet

Interventions to promote healthy and sustainable diets are urgently needed to curb growing obesity rates and greenhouse gas emissions. To date, little is known about consumers' awareness of the co-benefits of healthy and sustainable diets. Studies furthermore lack a global perspective. This study therefore aimed (1) to compare the composition of sustainable, healthy, and typical meals using an experimental Fake Food Buffet (FFB) study and (2) to compare sustainable diet knowledge and perceptions between individuals who grow up in Global North and Global South countries. The experiment used a 3 Meal Type x 2 Region mixed design. Participants (N = 74), of which half grew up in the Global North and South, respectively, were asked to self-serve three meals (typical, healthy, sustainable) from the FFB and to complete the Food Sustainability Knowledge Questionnaire (FSKQ). Sustainable meals contained more vegetables, grains, legumes, and plant-based protein (Fs[2, 144] ≥ 4.26, ps ≤ .016), and less red meat, animal-based protein, and sugar than healthy or typical meals (Fs[2, 144] ≥ 11.77 ps ≤ .001). FSKQ scores did not differ between regions (W[71.82] = 0.58, p = .564). However, participants from the Global North self-served more vegetables, grains, and plant-based protein from the FFB compared to participants from the Global South (Fs[2, 72] ≥ 4.89 ps ≤ .003). Many people are not fully aware of the substantial overlap of healthy and sustainable diets. Furthermore, culture influences food choices and thus needs to be considered when designing and implementing dietary interventions on a global scale.

Food Acquisition Locations and Food Groups Acquired According to Levels of Food Insecurity in Brazil

Food insecurity (FI) is a persistent issue in Brazil, with significant disparities existing across the country’s macroregions. This study investigated the food acquisition locations and types of foods purchased at different levels of FI, utilizing data from 57,920 households in the 2017–2018 Brazilian Household Budget Survey. Food acquisition locations were grouped into supermarkets, small markets, street fairs/fruit and vegetable stores/public markets, and others. Foods were categorized into 12 groups: rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, red meats, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products, bread, cookies, and sugary drinks. Supermarkets are the primary source of food in Brazil. However, in the North and Northeast regions, small markets are more frequently used across all levels of FI. Nationally, most food groups are predominantly purchased at supermarkets. Nevertheless, households experiencing moderate or severe FI rely more on small markets for essential items such as rice, beans, and proteins, as well as ultraprocessed foods. These findings highlight the need for public policies that improve food access for vulnerable populations and address regional inequalities. Enhancing access and ensuring food security across different regions is essential to promoting equitable and healthy diets throughout the country.

The Association Between Periconceptual Maternal Dietary Patterns and Miscarriage Risk in Women With Recurrent Miscarriages: A Multicentre Cohort Study.

To examine the association between periconceptual maternal diet and miscarriage risk among women with recurrent miscarriages. Prospective multicentre cohort study (Tommy's Net). Three university hospital research centres in the United Kingdom. 1035 women with a baseline history of two or more miscarriages. We analysed baseline dietary data from a 10-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). For individual food category analyses, we used multivariable Poisson regression following adjustment for maternal confounders and paternal dietary patterns. For whole diet analyses, ordinal principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify common dietary patterns. Results were presented as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and accompanying p-values. Miscarriage rate, defined as the rate of spontaneous pregnancy loss (< 24 weeks of gestation) relative to the total number of pregnancies (miscarriages and live births). High consumption of fruit and nuts (almonds and walnuts) was associated with lower miscarriage risk (fruit 226/662 (34.1%) vs. 38/77 (49.4%), RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.85, p = 0.001; nuts 47/152 (30.9%) vs. 220/613 (35.9%), RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.98, p = 0.039). High red meat intake was associated with a possible increase in miscarriage risk (6/12 (50.0%) vs. 165/469 (35.2%), RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.16, p = 0.022). The association with miscarriage risk was unclear for other food groups, including fresh vegetables, white meat, fish, dairy, eggs, soya and chocolate, due to imprecise point estimates. Through PCA, we identified three data-derived dietary patterns. Yet, no distinct relationship emerged between these dietary patterns and miscarriage risk. A maternal diet rich in fresh fruits and nuts is associated with a lower miscarriage risk among women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Tommy's Net (ISRCTN17732518) https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17732518. Analysis plan (OSF zp7cs) https://osf.io/zp7cs.

Jumbo quail responses to diets containing incremental levels of apple (Malus domestica Borkh) pomace

The utilization of nutraceutical sources such as apple (Malus domestica Borkh) pomace powder (APP) could be a strategy to reduce the excessive disposal of this agro-waste in landfills and promote sustainable Jumbo quail (Coturnix sp.) production. However, the amount of the APP that can be included in Jumbo quail diets to achieve optimum production is unknown. This study evaluated the impact of including incremental levels of APP on performance metrics, haemato-biochemical parameters, and meat quality responses in Jumbo quail. A total of 350 Jumbo quail (7-day-old; 28.0 ± 0.817 g live weight) were weighed and randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, where each treatment had seven replicates with 10 birds each. The diets were formulated to contain 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g/kg APP. Dietary APP induced negative quadratic effects (p < 0.05) on feed intake in weeks 2 and 3. Body weight gain and gain-to-feed ratio decreased linearly in weeks 2, 3, and 4, but quadratically responded to APP levels in week 5. Platelets, heterophils, lymphocytes, and serum phosphorus and calcium showed linear or quadratic responses (p < 0.05) as APP levels increased. Increasing levels of APP linearly (p < 0.05) reduced carcass performance and 24-hour breast meat redness and chroma values but increased 1-hour yellowness and 24-hour lightness. The inclusion of APP compromised growth and carcass performance in young growing Jumbo quail. However, feed efficiency and final body weight were maximized between 50 and 75 g APP levels/kg diet in five-week-old Jumbo quail without compromising blood and meat quality parameters.

Effect of Consumers’ Attitudes and the Factors Related to Socio-demographic and Economic Context on Goat Meat Consumption Willingness

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to look into and collect data on the variables affecting the intake willingness of goat meat by Algerians. Methods: In the region of El Oued (in southeast Algeria), 240 consumers were selected at random for sampling. The information obtained during the survey was collected using a standardised questionnaire. Result: According to the findings, goat meat ranked third (11.25%) among consumers’ top choices for red meat, behind beef (15%) and sheep (71.25%), but ahead of camel meat (2.5%). Of the previously mentioned meat types, taste was found to be the most desirable trait (53.75%). The majority of survey participants (202 consumers; 84.16%) thought that the meat from goats was suitable for them. On the contrary, all-around quality, level of income and methods used to raise animals have the greatest impact (p less than 0.05) on goat meat consumption willingness. However, there were no appreciable differences (p greater than 0.05) in the intake willingness of this meat based on age, gender, location of residence, level of education, accessibility, or cost. This study offers a thorough understanding of the aspects that influence consumer attitudes regarding goat meat and may be employed in developing strategies for enhancing consumption and boosting acceptance.

Study of Relationship Between Food Habits and the Occurrence of Constipation Among Students in Ivory Coast

The work of Amoikon &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;et al.&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (2016) showed a high prevalence of constipation and dietary deviations in a student population in Ivory coast. In order to seek a probable relationship between dietary factors and this health problem, a study was carried out at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny University of Ivory Coast. It took place from October 15, 2016 to February 17, 2017 in a population of 1228 students, with an average age of 22.5 years, dominated by males. This is a prospective cross-sectional study, with a descriptive and analytical aim, with the main objective of studying the relationship between eating habits and the appearance of constipation among students. After analysing the relationship between their eating habits and the occurrence of constipation, it was blamed, on the one hand, the high consumption of certain foods such as red meat, carbonated drinks, sugary foods, foods containing eggs or milk and on the other hand a low consumption of water, fruits and vegetables. In view of these results we can conclude that certain inadequate dietary behaviors are responsible for constipation in students’ population and could have repercussions on their success rate in our universities. To this end, it would be important to organize nutritional awareness campaigns throughout the country and to educate students with a view to improve their eating habits and their health conditions.

Effects of Essential Oil Blends Supplementation on Growth Performance, Meat Physiochemical Parameters, Intestinal Health and Lipid Metabolism of Weaned Bamei Piglets.

The benefits of plant essential oils (EO) on the health of animals have been frequently reported, but their alteration of lipid metabolism in obese pigs has yet to be explored. This study aimed to assess the impact of EO blends (oregano, cinnamon and lemon oils) on growth performance, meat physicochemical parameters, intestinal health and lipid metabolism in the small intestine of weaned Bamei (a kind of obese-type pig) piglets. One hundred and forty-four male 60-day-old weaned Bamei piglets were randomly assigned to three groups of six replicates each: CON (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 250 mg/kg EO), and T2 (basal diet + 500 mg/kg EO) over 28 days. The results showed that T1 trended to improve the average daily gain and feed intake to body gain ratio (p < 0.1), reduced water loss (p < 0.05), and increased the redness of meat (p < 0.05) compared to the CON. In addition, a significant change in the proportion of C17:0 and C20:1 was observed in the meat of T1 (p < 0.05). Improved intestinal health was evidenced by the reduced crypt depth, improved villi-to-crypt length ratio, and better superoxide dismutase activity in T1 (p < 0.05). Further study on intestinal lipid metabolism showed that duodenal lipase activity and the mRNA expression levels of lipid transport-related genes in the jejunum (FABPs, APOA1, APOB and ACSL3) were significantly reduced, alongside diminished serum lipid metabolites (Total protein and triglyceride) in the groups fed with EO (p < 0.05). In short, EO supplementation especially at 250 mg/kg improved intestinal health and inhibited lipid metabolism, which had a positive effect on the overall performance of Bamei piglets. This new evidence contributes to understanding the early regulatory role of EO in obese pigs and their potential to alleviate adolescent obesity.

Diet quality in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: time for improving nutritional recommendations.

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is a severe psychiatric disorder that is associated with a high level of psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficit as well as poor functioning, and an increased risk of mortality for cardiometabolic diseases. Some studies suggest that lifestyle, particularly diet, could represent a risk factor for obesity and its metabolic complications in these patients. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate diet quality and eating habits in individuals with TRS. Seventeen participants (13M/4F aged 37.8±13 years) were recruited to assess dietary composition and food groups consumption by a 7days food record to assess. In addition, demographic and clinical data were collected. Most of the participants were overweight/obese (82%) and only 35% performed physical activity. As compared to nutritional recommendations, participants presented an insufficient intake of fiber (15.9±3.2 g/day), vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin A, D, and E), minerals (calcium, magnesium, selenium, and iron), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (2.11±0.8%), likely triggered by the low consumption plant-based foods (legumes, fruit, vegetables, and nuts) and fish. Participants exceeded the intake of saturated fatty acids (11.6±3.4%) and cholesterol (242±124 mg/day), and simple sugars (15.2±3.9%) which were mainly related to greater consumption of red meat and processed meat, and sweet foods, respectively. Individuals with TRS presented low diet quality and did not comply with the nutritional recommendations. These results support the importance of including nutritional assessment in the management of individuals with TRS.

The Effects of Fat Content on the Shelf-Life of Vacuum-Packed Red Meat.

When stored at chill temperatures, vacuum-packed (VP) lamb has a much shorter shelf-life than VP beef, primarily due to its higher pH, which could be linked to the higher fat content. The higher pH would create more favourable conditions for the growth of spoilage bacteria, resulting in a shorter shelf-life of meat. To determine the effects of fat on meat shelf-life as it relates to pH, a series of shelf-life trials at 2 °C were conducted using VP beef and lamb mince with varying fat contents (i.e., control with ~5%, 20%, and 50%) as a model system to red meat primal cuts. The results showed that higher fat content reduced the shelf-life of VP beef mince by 24% and lamb mince by 12.5%. This reduction was accompanied by significantly (p < 0.05) decreased glucose and lactic acid levels. Throughout storage, a higher fat content in beef and lamb mince generally resulted in a higher pH by 0.1 (p < 0.05) compared to the respective controls. Higher fat content mince also had faster lactic acid bacteria growth rates (by up to 0.13 Log10 CFU/g/day) and higher maximum populations of presumptive enteric bacteria up to 1.3 Log10 CFU/g (p < 0.05). These results suggest that fat content can negatively influence the shelf-life of VP red meat through lowering glucose and lactic acid levels, raising the pH, and increasing LAB growth rate and maximum population levels of presumptive enteric bacteria.

Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer Other than Genetic Factors at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center

Objective: To determine the association of different risk factors other than genetic factors in patients having colorectal carcinoma. Study Design: Case control study. Place and Duration of Study: Medical Oncology Department, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi Pakistan, from Jan 2019 to Jan 2020. Methodology: A total of 200 patients of age more than 10 years of either gender were included in the study. Hundred were cases of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer and 100 were healthy controls. The data regarding socio-demographics and risk factors other than genetic risk factors was collected through pre-designed questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the cases was 42.76±15.02 &amp; the controls were 39.42±14.03 years. After adjusting odds in multivariate analysis, physically inactive (OR=0.40; 95% CI: 0.16-0.98, p&lt;0.05), low fruits and vegetable intake (OR=0.42; 95% CI: 0.22-0.82, p&lt;0.05), processed meat intake (OR=2.00; 95% CI: 1.01-3.96, p&lt;0.05) and fats intake (OR=5.12; 95% CI: 2.68-9.76, p&lt;0.05) remained positively associated with colorectal carcinoma. Conclusion: Higher risk of developing colorectal carcinoma is associated with obesity, low fruits and vegetables intake, high red meat consumption, processed meat consumption, fats intake, physical inactivity and working during night. The initiative for screening would be helpful in determining the colorectal carcinoma at an early stage. Early diagnosis will increase the survival rate and help increasing long term prognosis of the colorectal carcinoma.

How to improve sustainability of nutrient dense diets for children and adolescents: an exemplary assessment in Germany

BackgroundThe global climate crisis requires a paradigm shift in dietary concepts, respecting the needs of children. A global reference diet has been suggested by the EAT-Lancet Commission. On this basis, the detailed “Planetary Health Diet Index” (PHDI) has been proposed. The objective of this assessment is (1) to apply the PHDI to the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, the so-called Optimized Mixed Diet (OMD) for children and adolescents in Germany in its original composition and (2) to check how the planetary value of the OMD could be improved by modifying food selection within meals while keeping the high nutrient densities of the guideline diet.MethodsThe PHDI specifies 16 food groups and their proportion of total daily energy intake. The PHDI of the original OMD was calculated by assigning the foods of the 7-day menu to the PHDI food groups in order to score them. In this way, it became apparent which food groups had the potential to improve the sustainability. The diet was then updated by either reducing or increasing individual foods from these food groups in the meals and deriving the resulting PHDI. The nutrient densities of the original and updated daily OMD were calculated.ResultsThe original diet obtained a PHDI score of 68.24 points, representing 45.5% of the theoretical maximum of 150 points. The following food groups achieved 9.9 to 10 out of 10 points: fruits, total vegetables, fish & seafood, vegetable oils, chicken (and substitutes). Conversely, food groups receiving a zero score included tubers & potatoes, dairy, red meat, animal fat, and added sugars. The updated diet resulted in increased consumption of ‘nuts & peanuts’, ‘legumes’, ‘green vegetables’, ‘whole grains’, and decreased consumption of ‘tubers & potatoes’ and ‘red meat’. Overall, the PHDI increased from 68.24 to 81.51 points with the updated OMD, reflecting a 13.27% increase compared to the original diet. The nutrient densities were not significantly affected, but even slightly increased for most nutrients.ConclusionsThe PHDI was applied to demonstrate how the sustainability of the guideline diet for children and adolescents in Germany could be improved through changes in individual food groups that can be easily implemented in practice while maintaining high nutrient densities and acceptability for children.Trial registrationNA.