Regular Consumption Research Articles

Decoding coffee cardiometabolic potential: Chemical composition, nutritional, and health relationships.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, recognized for its unique taste and aroma and for its social and health impacts. Coffee contains a plethora of nutritional and bioactive components, whose content can vary depending on their origin, processing, and extraction methods. Gathered evidence in literature shows that the regular coffee consumption containing functional compounds (e.g., polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and melanoidins) can have potential beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors such as abdominal adiposity, hyperglycemia, and lipogenesis. On the other hand, coffee compounds, such as caffeine, diterpenes, and advanced glycation end products, may be considered a risk for cardiometabolic health. The present comprehensive review provides up-to-date knowledge on the structure-function relationships between different chemical compounds present in coffee, one of the most prevalent beverages present in human diet, and cardiometabolic health.

Risk factors for raised left ventricular filling pressure by cardiovascular magnetic resonance: Prognostic insights.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging shows promise in estimating pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) non-invasively. At the population level, the prognostic role of CMR-modelled PCWP remains unknown. Furthermore, the relationship between CMR-modelled PCWP and established risk factors for cardiovascular disease has not been well characterized. The main aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of CMR-modelled PCWP at the population level. Employing data from the imaging substudy of the UK Biobank, a very large prospective population-based cohort study, CMR-modelled PCWP was calculated using a model incorporating left atrial volume, left ventricular mass and sex. Logistic regression explored the relationships between typical cardiovascular risk factors and raised CMR-modelled PCWP (≥15mmHg). Cox regression was used to examine the impact of typical risk factors and CMR-modelled PCWP on heart failure (HF) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Data from 39163 participants were included in the study. Median age of all participants was 64years (inter-quartile range: 58 to 70), and 47% were males. Clinical characteristics independently associated with raised CMR-modelled PCWP included hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44-1.70, P<0.001], body mass index (BMI) [OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.52-1.62, per standard deviation (SD) increment, P<0.001], male sex (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.26-1.47, P<0.001), age (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.27-1.41, per decade increment, P<0.001) and regular alcohol consumption (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19, P=0.012). After adjusting for potential confounders, CMR-modelled PCWP was independently associated with incident HF [hazard ratio (HR) 2.91, 95% CI 2.07-4.07, P<0.001] and MACE (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.16-1.89, P=0.002). Raised CMR-modelled PCWP is an independent risk factor for incident HF and MACE. CMR-modelled PCWP should be incorporated into routine CMR reports to guide HF diagnosis and further management.

Effects of alcohol abuse on involvement of youth in productive economic activities in Baringo Central Sub-County, Kenya

This study sought to analyse the effects of alcohol abuse on youth involvement in productive economic activities in Baringo's central sub-county, Kenya. The issue of alcohol abuse among youth is pervasive globally, with approximately 30 per cent of adolescents engaging in binge drinking, leading to severe consequences for health systems, economic productivity, and social stability. In Baringo Central Sub-County, approximately 40 per cent of the youth engage in regular alcohol consumption, presenting a critical public health issue. This study aimed to assess the effects of alcohol abuse on youth involvement in productive economic activities, including crop farming, animal herding, entrepreneurial activities, and formal employment. The researchers utilised a cross-sectional descriptive research design to collect data from youth aged 18-35 using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that 66 per cent of respondents reported missed farming deadlines, 69 per cent indicated neglect of livestock, 69 per cent of young entrepreneurs reported reduced motivation, and 70 per cent of respondents in formal employment reported increased absenteeism due to alcohol abuse. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions such as comprehensive awareness programs, enhanced access to rehabilitation services, and stricter regulations on alcohol sales to address alcohol abuse and support the socio-economic development of youth in Baringo Central Sub-County. The study contributes valuable insights into the socio-economic effects of alcohol abuse, informing policymakers and stakeholders about the necessary measures to mitigate these impacts and promote sustainable development.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Listed as a Drug of Abuse by the Italian Health Ministry: Expert Opinion

: In August 2023, the Italian Health Ministry listed cannabidiol (CBD) as a drug of abuse. This rekindled the debate on the medical and non-medical use of cannabis. The most discussed topics are risks related to the use of cannabis, the decriminalization/legalization of recreational cannabis, and use of cannabis-based drugs for medical purposes. The decision to include CBD in the “Unique Text for drugs of abuse” (DPR.309/1990), along with the already included main psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is not particularly relevant to such ongoing discussions. Even when it comes to cannabis-based drugs for medical purposes, such a decision will have a minimum impact on CBD-based medical prescriptions. Instead, a high economic impact is expected on CBD-based products sold online or in specific shops, including the so-called “cannabis-light”, formally sold as a “technological product” for collection purposes but used as over-the-counter drugs for the treatment of several medical conditions. Cannabis-light products have reduced regular drug consumption by about 10%. Also, they are not entirely safe, as the actual content of THC may significantly differ from the one stated, carrying unexpected health risks. Further, CBD is likely not a drug with addictive potential; however, its uncontrolled use for medical purposes needs to be regulated as the court battles are ongoing.

Dark tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of dysglycaemia and increased urinary glucose and sodium excretion in Chinese adults.

To examine the associations of tea consumption (both frequency and type) with (1) prediabetes and diabetes and (2) urinary glucose and sodium excretion in Chinese community-dwelling adults. In 1923 participants (457 with diabetes, 720 with prediabetes, and 746 with normoglycaemia), the frequency (occasional, frequent, daily, or nil) and type (green, black, dark, or other) of tea consumption were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Morning spot urinary glucose and urine glucose-to-creatinine ratios (UGCRs) were assessed as markers of urinary glucose excretion. Tanaka's equation was used to estimate 24-h urinary sodium excretion. Logistic and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Compared with non-tea drinkers, the corresponding multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for prediabetes and diabetes were 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48, 0.83) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.41, 0.82) in participants drinking tea daily. However, only drinking dark tea was associated with reduced ORs for prediabetes (0.49, 95% CI 0.36, 0.66) and diabetes (0.41, 95% CI 0.28, 0.62). Dark tea consumption was associated with increased morning spot urinary glucose (0.22 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.11, 0.34 mmol/L), UGCR (0.15 mmol/mmol, 95% CI 0.05, 0.25 mmol/L) and estimated 24-h urinary sodium (7.78 mEq/day, 95% CI 2.27, 13.28 mEq/day). Regular tea consumption, especially dark tea, is associated with a reduced risk of dysglycaemia and increased urinary glucose and sodium excretion in Chinese community-dwelling adults.

Ex Vivo Study of Colon Health, Contractility and Innervation in Male and Female Rats after Regular Exposure to Instant Cascara Beverage.

Instant Cascara (IC) is a sustainable beverage made from dried coffee cherry pulp, a by-product of coffee processing. It is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds and has a high concentration of antioxidants. This study explored the impact of regular IC consumption on colonic motor function and innervation. Over a period of 4 weeks, male and female healthy rats were given drinking water containing 10 mg/mL of IC. Thereafter, colon samples were obtained to evaluate the longitudinal (LM) and circular (CM) smooth muscle contractile response to acetylcholine (ACh) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) in an organ bath, before and after atropine administration (10-6 M). Histological and immunohistochemical analyses assessed colon damage, muscle thickness, and immunoreactivity to substance P (SP) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). ACh and EFS induced similar responses across groups, but the CM response to EFS was greater in females compared with males, despite their lower body weight. Atropine completely blocked the response to ACh but only partially antagonized the neural response to EFS, particularly that of CM in females treated with IC, which had a greater liquid intake than those exposed to water. However, in the myenteric ganglia, no statistically significant differences were observed in SP or nNOS. Our results suggest that regular IC exposure may enhance specific neural pathway functions, particularly in females, possibly due to their increased IC consumption.

Utilising free comments and textual analysis to identify knowledge and acceptance of functional dairy products: A Brazilian perspective

Regular consumption of functional dairy products offers numerous health benefits, such as anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study assessed Brazilian consumers' knowledge and barriers to their consumption using the free comment (FC) method and textual analysis. FC identified 462 descriptors from 332 volunteers, including ‘cheese’, ‘dairy’, ‘health’, ‘probiotic’, ‘nutrients’ and ‘benefits’. Textual analysis organised the data, revealing consumers' knowledge and preferences. The analysis highlighted the need for strategies to address barriers to functional dairy product consumption, focusing on sensory preferences and promoting these products among consumers who currently resist them.

Impact of Coffee Consumption on Subjective Perception and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic conditions marked by persistent inflammation, impacting patients' quality of life. This study assessed differences in coffee consumption between CD and UC patients and its potential effects on the subjective perception and objective changes in inflammation markers in these two categories of patients. Using questionnaires, coffee consumption patterns, and perceived symptom effects were evaluated. Biological samples were collected to measure the following inflammatory markers: leukocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fecal calprotectin (FC). Among 148 patients, 60% reported regular coffee consumption, with no significant difference between CD and UC patients. While 45.93% perceived no impact on symptoms, 48% of those reporting exacerbation continued their regular coffee consumption. FC values were significantly lower in coffee consumers than in non-consumers (p < 0.05), particularly in those consuming natural coffee (p < 0.001), and the case was observed for UC patients (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in other inflammatory markers, regardless of coffee type, frequency, or milk addition. This study highlights the commonality of coffee consumption among IBD patients and the association of lower FC levels with coffee consumption, especially in UC patients, suggesting that coffee may influence intestinal inflammatory responses.

Nutritional and biofunctional characterizations of four novel edible aquatic plants of Bangladesh

Aquatic plants are a cheap and renewable biomass rich in bioactive and biofunctional compounds, holding valorization prospects for use in food and pharmaceuticals. Four commonly found edible aquatic plants in Bangladesh, namely red water lily (Nymphaea nouchali), white water lily (Nympheae alba), malancha (Alternanthera philoxeroides), and red seaweed (Gracilaria tenuistipitata), were compared in terms of proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, mineral and heavy metal contents, and amino acid composition. The crude protein content was the highest in A. philoxeroids (26.96 %), followed by G. tenuistipitata (25.21 %), N. nouchali (25.14 %), and N. alba (23.54 %). The sequence of crude lipid content of four aquatic plants was A. philoxeroids (4.8 %) > N. nouchali (4.0 %) > G. tenuistipitata (3.4 %) > N. alba (2.4 %). The aquatic plants were rich in carbohydrates, with G. tenuistipitata having 37.02 %, significantly (P < 0.05) lower than N. alba (46.12 %), N. nouchali (45.73 %), and A. philoxeroids (42.88 %). The ash content in the studied plants varied between 14.63 % and 24.97 %. Substantial numbers of bioactive compounds were identified in these plants: 42 in N. alba, 41 in N. nouchali, 40 in A. philoxeroides, and 36 in G. tenuistipitata, as determined by GC-MS analysis. G. tenuistipitata showed the highest amount of total phenolic (121.05 ± 2.43 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoid (128.03 ± 0.79 mg quercetin equivalent/g) content. The DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and ferric reducing power assays showed the free radical scavenging ability increased in a dose dependent manner. These aquatic plants contained substantial amounts of minerals, namely Ca ranging from 42.05 ± 2.34 to 441.65 ± 4.67 mg/kg, K ranging from 80.15 ± 1.82 to 97.81 ± 1.74 mg/kg, and Na ranging from 41.16 ± 1.32 to 53.37 ± 1.64 mg/kg. The heavy metal contents of Cu, Ni, and Pb were 0.93 ± 0.06 to 1.25 ± 0.09 mg/kg, 0.44 ± 0.02 to 3.86 ± 0.56 mg/kg, and 0.22 ± 0.02 to 0.67 ± 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. Thirteen different amino acids were identified, with leucine, glycine, alanine, lysine, and phenylalanine dominating, and their contents varying by species. Therefore, regular consumption of these aquatic plants might be a healthy approach to addressing malnutrition and enhancing biofunctional activities.

A Bivariate Twin Study of Lifetime cannabis Initiation and Lifetime Regular Tobacco Smoking Across Three Different Countries

Regular cigarette smoking and cannabis consumption are strongly positively related to each other, yet few studies explore their underlying variation and covariation. We evaluated the genetic and environmental decomposition of variance and covariance of these two traits in twin data from three countries with different social norms and legislation. Data from the Netherlands Twin Register, FinnTwin12/16, and the Minnesota Center for Twin Family Research (total N = 21,617) were analyzed in bivariate threshold models of lifetime regular smoking initiation (RSI) and lifetime cannabis initiation (CI). We ran unstratified models and models stratified by sex and country. Prevalence of RSI was lowest in the Netherlands and prevalence of CI was highest in Minnesota. In the unstratified model, genetic (A) and common environmental factors (C) contributed substantially to the liabilities of RSI (A = 0.47, C = 0.34) and CI (A = 0.28, C = 0.51). The two liabilities were significantly phenotypically (rP = 0.56), genetically (rA = 0.74), and environmentally correlated in the unstratified model (rC = 0.47and rE = 0.48, representing correlations between common and unique environmental factors). The magnitude of phenotypic correlation between liabilities varied by country but not sex (Minnesota rP ~ 0.70, Netherlands rP ~ 0.59, Finland rP ~ 0.45). Comparisons of decomposed correlations could not be reliably tested in the stratified models. The prevalence and association of RSI and CI vary by sex and country. These two behaviors are correlated because there is genetic and environmental overlap between their underlying latent liabilities. There is heterogeneity in the genetic architecture of these traits across country.

Consumption of Native Fish Associated with a Potential Carcinogenic Risk for Indigenous Communities in the Peruvian Amazon.

Aquatic environments, such as fluvial environments, play an important role in the transport of material from throughout the basin, and this material partially sediments along the way. The objective of this study was to analyze, from an ecotoxicological point of view, the concentrations of arsenic and heavy metals in sediment and the muscle of native fish, to correlate their interaction and to evaluate the potential risk to public health using carcinogenic risk indices in four rivers of the Peruvian Amazon. There were 27 sampling sites where sediment and fish (except for five points) samples were collected. A sampling pool was created with fish muscles from all species collected at each sampling site. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg were analyzed in both sediment and fish muscle, in duplicate. The results indicate the presence of concentrations higher than those recommended by international guidelines for sediment and food. Mercury (Hg) concentrations in the Tigre, Morona, and Pastaza rivers are up to six times higher than the recommended value for daily consumption. The carcinogenic risk due to the regular consumption of native species in the indigenous communities living on the banks of the four studied rivers is high.

Causal relationship between breakfast skipping and myocardial infarction: Two-sample Mendelian randomization.

While observational studies suggest a connection between skipping breakfast and myocardial infarction (MI), the causal nature of this relationship is unclear. This study aims to investigate the genetic causal relationships between breakfast skipping and MI through Mendelian randomization (MR). Employing genetic data from a public genome-wide association study, this research focuses on genetic variations linked to breakfast skipping and MI. The primary analytical method was the inverse variance-weighted approach, complemented by additional methods like MR-Egger, weighted median, and mode analyses. It also includes heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy tests such as the Cochrane Q test, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO tests, with a leave-one-out analysis for enhanced sensitivity assessment reliability. The study discovered a notable association between breakfast skipping and an increased risk of MI (odds ratios: 1.34, 95% confidence intervals: 1.03-1.76, P = .027). The test revealed no heterogeneity or multiplicity, and the sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results. Our MR analysis suggests that habitual breakfast skipping might elevate the likelihood of MI, underlining the importance of regular breakfast consumption in potentially mitigating heart attack risks.

Regular Consumption of Fortified Growing-up Milk Attenuates Upper Respiratory Tract Infection among Young Children in Indonesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction A Growing-up Milk (GUM) supplemented with short-chain Galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS), long-chain Fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS), and omega-3 Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) could support the development of the immune system to prevent the Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) and associated morbidities. It is of interest to assess whether a daily consumption of scGOS/lcFOS/n-3 LCPUFAs-fortified GUM for a minimum of 6 months reduces URTI incidences within the subsequent 3 months among young children in Indonesia. Methods A total of 154 children aged 18 to 36 months were recruited in this retrospective cohort study and categorized into exposed and non-exposed groups (78 and 76 children, respectively). A guided interview was conducted with each subject’s parent. Demographic and clinical information was collected, including incidence of URTI within the past three months, duration of URTI, as well as the frequency of medical visits when contracting URTI. The bivariate analysis via chi-square test as well as the multivariate analysis via binary logistic regression were performed. Results The overall characteristics were similar between groups with certain distinctions. The bivariate analysis indicated the exposed group to have better protection against URTI within the past 3 months as compared to the non-exposed group (RR=0.62; 95% CI=0.41-0.92; P&lt;0.05). The multivariate analysis reinforced the finding by reporting that the exposed group was indeed protected against URTI (adjusted RR=0.42; 95% CI=0.21-0.85; P&lt;0.05). Conclusion A routine consumption of scGOS/lcFOS/n-3 LCPUFAs-fortified GUM for a minimum of 6 months among Indonesian young children protected against URTI up to 58%, suggesting that fortified GUM consumption supports proper development of the immune system.

Kinetic Studies and Adsorption of Fluoride from Drinking Water using Tamarind Shell as Adsorbent

The excessive intake of fluoride in drinking water is a serious health concern in most of the states in India and in the world. The regular consumption of drinking water containing fluoride leads to a disease called as fluorosis. The Present work of this paper explores the removal of fluoride from synthesized aqueous solution of fluoride using Tamarind fruit shell powder. The Adsorption of fluoride by Tamarind fruit shell is cost effective method and gives high efficiency than other adsorbents. In the present study, The pretreatment for moisture removal from the tamarind shell powder given also we have shown the Kinetics and comparative study to find highest fluoride removal efficiency. In the Kinetic study, the the controlling parameters for adsorption like pH, Adsorbent concentration, Contact time relation on the removal efficiency is studied. The data obtained is fitted in the Langmuir and Freundlich Adsorption Isotherms. The work shows the selective adsorbing property of tamarind shell powder for fluoride removal. The comparison of removal efficiency of fluoride by using tamarind shell powder with wheat straw is done

Risk factors for diminished ovarian reserve in women: Current state of the problem

Ovarian reserve is the basis of female fertility. The main markers of ovarian reserve are the level of anti-Mullerian hormone and the number of antral follicles. In addition to the natural age-related loss of follicles, many women experience a premature diminished ovarian reserve associated with a number of factors. This can be caused by both various diseases and environmental factors, lifestyle, and social aspects.The aim of this review was to examine the influence of external factors on the ovarian reserve and women fertility. A systematic analysis of data from modern scientific literature, domestic and foreign sources was carried out. The search involved such resources as PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct, eLibrary, Scopus, Cyberleninka. A detailed analysis of the influence of environmental pollution, lifestyle (sleep, nutrition, physical activity), previous surgeries, bad habits, obesity, psychological and social factors on the ovarian reserve and reproductive function of women was carried out. Significantly diminished ovarian reserve was noted with low sleep quality, excessive physical activity, and an unbalanced diet poor with animal proteins. Regular consumption of alcohol, smoking and exposure to certain chemical environmental pollutants cause premature follicle apoptosis and the onset of menopause. Circadian dysrhythmia, chronic stress and obesity can lead to the ovarian menstrual cycle disorders and the development of infertility in women. Previous parovarium surgeries are a significant risk factor for diminished ovarian reserve. Further population-based studies are needed to determine the precise mechanisms of influence of various factors on female fertility.

Protective Effect of Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acids of Coffee in Liver Disease.

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world due to its unique aroma and psychostimulant effects, mainly due to the presence of caffeine. In recent years, experimental evidence has shown that the moderate consumption of coffee (3/4 cups per day) is safe and beneficial to human health, revealing protective effects against numerous chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and hepatic diseases. This review focuses on two of coffee's main bioactive compounds, i.e., caffeine and chlorogenic acids, and their effects on the progression of chronic liver diseases, demonstrating that regular coffee consumption correlates with a lower risk of the development and progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In particular, this review analyzes caffeine and chlorogenic acid from a pharmacological point of view and explores the molecular mechanism through which these compounds are responsible for the protective role of coffee. Both bioactive compounds, therefore, have antifibrotic effects on hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes, induce a decrease in connective tissue growth factor, stimulate increased apoptosis with anti-cancer effects, and promote a major inhibition of focal adhesion kinase, actin, and protocollagen synthesis. In conclusion, coffee shows many beneficial effects, and experimental data in favor of coffee consumption in patients with liver diseases are encouraging, but further prospective studies are needed to demonstrate its preventive and therapeutic role in chronic liver diseases.

Caffeine consumption outcomes on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease progression and cognition

Caffeine consumption outcomes on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) including progression, survival and cognition remain poorly defined and may depend on its metabolization influenced by genetic variants. 378 ALS patients with a precise evaluation of their regular caffeine consumption were monitored as part of a prospective multicenter study. Demographic, clinical characteristics, functional disability as measured with revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R), cognitive deficits measured using Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS), survival and riluzole treatment were recorded. 282 patients were genotyped for six single nucleotide polymorphisms tagging different genes involved in caffeine intake and/or metabolism: CYP1A1 (rs2472297), CYP1A2 (rs762551), AHR (rs4410790), POR (rs17685), XDH (rs206860) and ADORA2A (rs5751876) genes. Association between caffeine consumption and ALSFRS-R, ALSFRS-R rate, ECAS and survival were statistically analyzed to determine the outcome of regular caffeine consumption on ALS disease progression and cognition. No association was observed between caffeine consumption and survival (p = 0.25), functional disability (ALSFRS-R; p = 0.27) or progression of ALS (p = 0.076). However, a significant association was found with higher caffeine consumption and better cognitive performance on ECAS scores in patients carrying the C/T and T/T genotypes at rs2472297 (p-het = 0.004). Our results support the safety of regular caffeine consumption on ALS disease progression and survival and also show its beneficial impact on cognitive performance in patients carrying the minor allele T of rs2472297, considered as fast metabolizers, that would set the ground for a new pharmacogenetic therapeutic strategy.

Oral Anti-Diabetic Semaglutide: A GLP-1 RA Peptide

T2DM has emerged as a global disorder. Although there are many treatment options available for T2DM patients, still several patients complaint about inadequate blood sugar levels. Diabetes management is not limited to just lowering of blood glucose level, it needs a multifactorial approach in treatment. Glucagon- like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are a new category of T2DM drugs that acts on various targets such as body weight reduction, renal and cardiovascular benefits. Despite of being so beneficial the major drawback of semaglutide has been its subcutaneous route of administration. Majority of the patients are unable to continue semaglutide for long because of their reluctance towards daily injectable. To avoid this oral semaglutide is introduced. Oral semaglutide is a GLP- 1RA which is displays high glycaemic control. However, in order to increase its bioavailability, it needs to be co formulated with sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzyol] amino) caprylate (SNAC). Oral semaglutide has gone through a very intense series of clinical trials known as, Peptide Innovation for Early Diabetes Treatment (PIONEER). These trials have established benefits of oral semaglutide regarding reduction in glycaemic levels and body weight. It is deemed to be fit for regular consumption. In this review we discuss many aspects of oral semaglutide such as, its chemical structure, route of administration, challenges associated with the oral form of semaglutide, dosage, mechanism of oral bioavailability, robust indications, its placement in the line of defence, drug- drug interaction, various clinical trials (Phase trials and PIONEER studies) including their results. It also summarizes the benefits of oral semaglutide beyond glycaemic control and some future scope of research in the field.

The effects of nudging and pricing strategies on the availability and purchases of ultra-processed foods: A secondary analysis of the Supreme Nudge trial

Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. UPF are widely available in supermarkets. Nudging and pricing strategies are promising strategies to promote healthier supermarket purchases and may reduce UPF purchases. We investigated whether supermarket nudging and pricing strategies targeting healthy foods, but not specifically discouraging UPF, would change UPF availability, price, promotion and placement (UPF-APPP) in supermarkets and customer UPF purchases. We used data from the Supreme Nudge parallel cluster-randomized controlled trial, testing the effect of a combined nudging and pricing intervention promoting healthy products. The Dutch Consumer Food Environment Score (D-CFES) was used to audit 12 participating supermarkets in terms of UPF-APPP. We used customer loyalty card data of the first twelve intervention weeks from 321 participants to calculate the proportion of UPF purchases. Descriptive statistics were used to assess differences in D-CFES between supermarkets. Mixed model analyses were used to assess the association between the D-CFES and UPF purchases and the effect of the intervention on UPF purchases. No difference in the D-CFES between intervention and control supermarkets were found. No statistically significant association between the D-CFES and UPF purchases (β = −0.00, 95%CI: −0.02, 0.01) and no significant effect of the intervention on UPF purchases (β = 0.02, 95%CI: −0.07, 0.12) was observed. Given the significant proportion of unhealthy and UPF products in Dutch supermarkets, nudging and pricing strategies aimed at promoting healthy food purchases are not sufficient for reducing UPF–APPP nor purchases, and nationwide regulation may be needed.Trial registration number: Dutch Trial Register ID NL7064, May 30, 2018, https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR7302.

The Bittersweet Reality: The Cardiovascular Risk of Artificial Sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners are increasingly popular as alternatives to sugar. Approximately 41% of the American adult population reports regular consumption of low-calorie sweeteners. People are not even aware they are ingesting artificial sweeteners as they are now in chewing gum, toothpaste, various food products, baked goods, and even pharmaceutical products. Some of these sweeteners are sweeter than sugar, some less sweet than sugar, and some are natural sweeteners. With the goal of increasing palatability, many products have multiple additives to create the perfect taste. Despite their widespread use and perceived benefits, there is increasing concern in the academic community about the long-term safety of these artificial sweeteners and their role in increasing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. There is general agreement about the cardiovascular risk of added sugars to a diet. Public health authorities have recommended limiting added sugar consumption. Replacing sugar with these artificial sweeteners has become increasingly popular, but safety remains a question. While multiple well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed for the conclusion, review of the current literature gives us pause about the cardiovascular risk and long-term safety of these additives.