Introduction: patients with neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes are at high risk of malnutrition. Enteral tube feeding improves prognosis by ensuring a continuous supply of essential nutrients, optimizing glycemic control, wound healing, and immune function. Objectives: to evaluate the effectiveness of an enteral nutrition formula in diabetic patients with chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: this 12-month, multicenter, prospective observational study included 67 patients aged over 18 years, with chronic neurodegenerative disease and diabetes. Nutritional status (using the MNA-SF test, anthropometric variables, and biochemical parameters), pressure ulcers, tolerance, and adherence to the nutrition regimen were assessed. Results: significant improvements were observed in patient weight and body mass index (p < 0.0001). Nutritional status also improved significantly (MNA-SF score: from 4.16 ± 2.42 to 9.28 ± 2.66 at the end of the study; p < 0.0001). At 12 months, glucose decreased from 142.27 ± 29.01 mg/dl to 122.45 ± 20.94 mg/dl (p < 0.0001), and HbA1c levels dropped by 9.3 % (p < 0.0001). Urea levels decreased from 46.24 ± 16.67 mg/dl to 35.11 ± 19.75 mg/dl (p = 0.0078). The prevalence and size of pressure ulcers decreased (p < 0.01). Gastrointestinal tolerance was high, with a 98.5 % adherence rate to the prescribed enteral nutrition regimen. Conclusions: the enteral nutrition formula improved glycemic control, nutritional status, renal function, and pressure ulcers outcomes, showing high tolerance and adherence. The results suggest clinical benefits in managing diabetes in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, although additional studies are needed.

Agrocybe aegerita polysaccharide alleviates aspirin-associated gastric mucosal injury by regulating the NF-κB and Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathways.

Food safety in enteral nutrition formulas: Investigation of the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phenols, and phthalate esters (PAEs) and potential health risks.

Although the Hispanic/Latino/Latina immigrant population group has been documented to use a higher number of herbs, spices and supplements, research findings on this topic are still insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the supplements chosen by Hispanic/Latino/Latina immigrants in relation to their evidence for use in the literature as well as the number of herbs and spices used. This cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling to survey 62 Hispanic/Latino/Latina immigrants in central Indiana. The research collected data regarding herbs and spice consumption, supplement usage and beliefs, therapeutic diet practices, disease history, and food frequency information. Dietary supplement use was more prevalent among females and individuals with a high school education. A statistically significant difference between male and female participants was observed regarding the use of green tea supplements, as well as all herbal products and single vitamins combined (p <.001). Significant associations were also found when comparing individuals with bone and joint (p =.030), cardiovascular (p =.024), gastrointestinal (p =.031), and endocrine diseases (p =.020) to those adhering to a special diet. There was a lack of evidence supporting supplement use based on research findings. These results suggest for the need of supplement and therapeutic diet use education in the Hispanic/Latino/Latina population residing in the United States. Further research is needed to advance these findings.

This study developed Ready-to-Use Fish Food (RUFF) as a high-energy, high-protein recovery food for children under five with severe acute malnutrition, using mackerel and catfish powders as animal protein sources. Four RUFF variants were formulated with skim milk powder, mackerel powder, catfish powder, and a mixture of both fish powders. Nutritional analysis included moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and energy content, which were compared to Codex Alimentarius (CXG 95-2022) standards. Protein ranged from 2.31 to 4.61 g/100 kcal, fat from 5.64 to 6.25 g/100 kcal, carbohydrates from 6.79 to 9.44 g/100 kcal, and energy from 524 to 550.49 kcal/100 g, meeting FAO/WHO criteria for therapeutic foods. The sensory acceptability was assessed using a hedonic test with toddlers aged 2 to 5 years using a Balanced Incomplete Block Design. Scores ranged from 1 (like), 2 (neutral), and 3 (dislike), analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test. The mixed fish powder variant had the least preference (mean score 2.08, neutral), while catfish, mackerel, and skim milk variants were liked (scores 1.23 to 1.83). Results confirm that these RUFF variants are nutritionally adequate and well accepted, supporting their use as an effective alternative to RUTF for malnourished toddlers.

Background: Nigeria faces a severe child malnutrition crisis, with approximately 1 million severe cases reported for 2025. This burden positions Nigeria among the top countries globally for stunting and wasting in under-fives, exacerbated by factors like food insecurity, flooding, and conflict—particularly in the northern part. This study investigated the development and assessment of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) produced from locally sourced ingredients in Kano State, Nigeria, targeting child malnutrition. Methods: Three distinct RUTF formulations were prepared using rice, wheat, groundnut, and soybean, with raw materials purchased from local markets and processed into blends. Proximate, vitamin (A, C, and E), and mineral (zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium) compositions were measured following the Association of Official Analytical Chemists’ (AOAC) standard procedures. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale assessed taste, aroma, flavour, appearance, and overall acceptability. Results: Notable variations were observed among the samples. Blend A exhibited the highest energy (563.08 kcal/100 g), carbohydrate (46.57%), fat (35.84%), and vitamin E (9.29 mg/100 g) content. Blend B was highest in protein (16.71%), iron (2.40 mg/100 g), calcium (21.05 mg/100 g), and vitamin A (15.89 µM). Blend C contained the most potassium (61.65 mg/100 g) and vitamin C (11.70 mg/100 g), with moderate levels of other nutrients. Sensory ratings showed no significant (p < 0.05) differences among the parameters. Conclusions: The nutrient composition and acceptability of RUTF blends suggest that affordable, effective dietary solutions can be produced using local crops. These findings support the potential for locally formulated RUTFs to contribute to reducing child malnutrition in low-resource settings with further enhancements.

Acute malnutrition, including severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), affects over 45 million children under five globally and remains a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Despite therapeutic feeding programs using ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) and fortified blended foods (FBFs), relapse and suboptimal treatment outcomes persist. Emerging evidence links gut microbiota dysbiosis to impaired nutrient absorption and immune function in malnourished children. Probiotic supplementation has been proposed as a strategy to restore microbial balance, enhance intestinal health, and improve nutritional recovery. However, clinical trial evidence remains inconsistent, particularly for children with MAM. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of probiotic or probiotic-fortified product supplementation in children under five diagnosed with SAM or MAM. Databases to be searched include PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus, along with clinical trial registries. Eligible studies will compare probiotic interventions with placebo, standard care, or no treatment. Primary outcomes include weight gain, weight-for-height z-scores (WHZ), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), recovery rate, and time to nutritional recovery. Two reviewers will independently conduct study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses will be performed where appropriate. To explore potential sources of heterogeneity, we will perform subgroup analyses based on factors such as strain, dosage, and duration. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses will be used to test the robustness of the findings against various methodological assumptions and decisions. The overall certainty of the evidence for each outcome will be assessed using the GRADE approach. This will be the first systematic review to rigorously evaluate probiotic supplementation for both SAM and MAM populations using PRISMA 2020 guidelines and GRADE methodology. Strengths include a focus on high-quality RCTs, comprehensive search strategies, and transparent bias and evidence quality assessments. Limitations may include variability in probiotic strains, formulations, dosages, and outcome measures, as well as limited subgroup data. PROSPERO CRD420251091133.

Predictors of nutritional recovery among undernourished adults on antiretroviral therapy treated with ready-to-use therapeutic food at public health facilities in Southeast Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACTPolygonatum sibiricum (PS), a traditional food and medicinal plant, primarily consists of PS polysaccharides (PSP), which have been documented to possess hypoglycemic properties. Despite the fact that wine‐processed PSP (PSPW) represents the predominant form utilized in clinical applications of PS, research has predominantly concentrated on its crude PSC (PSPC). The exact pathways responsible for the hypoglycemic effects of PSPW need further elucidation. To evaluate the hypoglycemic effects and related mechanisms of PSPC and PSPW, we applied PSPC and PSPW to an oxidative stress injury model using HepG2 cells and a T2DM rat model induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Data showed that both PSPC and PSPW can decrease the glucose oxidase (GOD) activity and reduce ROS levels in the oxidative stress injury model of HepG2 cells. Furthermore, PSPC and PSPW can not only ameliorate liver and kidney damage in T2DM rats, but also significantly improve symptoms such as FBG and weight loss. They can also reduce the activities of TG, TC, and GSP in serum, increase the activities of NEFA and INS, and upregulate the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, AKT, INSR, and GLUT‐2 in liver tissue, as well as the protein expression levels of P‐AKT, PI3K, p‐IRS1, and GLUT‐2. Moreover, the PSPW group shows a more significant improvement effect than the PSPC group. Overall, our study demonstrates that PSPC and PSPW exert their hypoglycemic effects by regulating oxidative stress and the insulin signaling pathway. Our observations aim to offer novel perspectives on PSPW's potential utilization as a therapeutic candidate and functional food components.

RUFF (ready-to-use fish food) is a nutrient and calorie-dense food with high protein and energy consumed by children under five years of age who suffer from severe acute malnutrition. RUFF in this study was designed to be the alternative product for RUTF (ready-to-use therapeutic food) using snakehead fish flour as skim milk substitute. This study aims to determine the suitability of snakehead fish flour as an animal protein alternative, obtain the RUFF formula that meets FAO and WHO standards, and determine the consumer acceptance. The research investigated different amount of snakehead fish flour in the RUFF formulation. There were 3 formulas with different snakehead fish flour, i.e. 20% (F1), 22% (F2), and 24% (F3). The results of the analysis showed that the highest protein content was found in formula F3 (14.35 ±0.72)% with moisture content of 2.32 ± 0.06%, ash content of 2.56 ± 0.04%, fat content of 29.39 ± 0.24%, and carbohydrate content of 51.37 ± 0.94%. All three RUFF formulations meet the nutritional standards set by the FAO and WHO. The hedonic rating test results and ranking showed that the most preferred formula by the panelist was formula F1 containing 20% snakehead fish flour with an average rate of 7.46 (like). Formula F1 is the formula of RUFF with the highest rate of consumer acceptance.

Abstract Background: Medication use during pregnancy requires caution due to altered pharmacokinetics and possible teratogenic effects. Early antenatal care (ANC) offers a vital opportunity for rational prescribing and preventing unsafe self-medication. However, few Indian studies have systematically explored drug use in early pregnancy. This study assessed prescribing patterns and self-medication practices during the first trimester of pregnancy in a tertiary care setting in Eastern India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 pregnant women (≤12 weeks gestation) attending their first ANC visit at Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata, from October 2024 to March 2025. Data were collected through a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Drugs were classified using the WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical system and United States Food and Drug Administration pregnancy risk categories. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used. Results: All participants were registered for ANC in the first trimester. Prescriptions were reported by 84.8%, mainly iron–folic acid (90%) and tetanus toxoid (84.8%). Only 36% received counseling on deworming; 15.2% had already taken albendazole, mostly before ANC registration. Self-medication was reported by 20%, mostly involving paracetamol, antacids, and herbal remedies. No contraindicated drugs were prescribed. Self-medication was significantly associated with lower education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–8.5; P = 0.001), rural residence (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.3–5.3; P = 0.006), and being a housewife (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.0–4.9; P = 0.045). Conclusion: Despite rational prescribing, self-medication and limited counseling remain challenges. Strengthening ANC-based education is essential.

Including malnourished siblings in treatment improves nutritional outcomes for children with sickle cell anemia in Northern Nigeria: Results from a feasibility trial.

Childhood undernutrition, especially wasting, remains a significant public health challenge in Bangladesh. Wasting, or low weight-for-height, is associated with a heightened risk of mortality in children under five. Although several national policies exist, the burden of wasting persists above the global target of <5%. This review focuses on identifying gaps and opportunities within Bangladesh's policy landscape concerning the prevention and management of wasting. A desk review was conducted of eight key national documents, including nutrition policies, action plans, national programs, and guidelines. These were assessed for their stated goals, objectives, action plans, gaps, and recommendations regarding undernutrition, with particular attention to wasting. Special emphasis was given to Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), and the availability of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). While Bangladesh has adopted a multi-sectoral approach through its National Nutrition Policy (2015), Food Policy Plan of Action (2008-2015), and National Food and Nutrition Security Policy (2021-2030), implementation gaps remain. Challenges include weak governance, insufficient facility readiness, and inconsistent RUTF supply, particularly in remote areas. Community-level interventions are underutilized, and coordination with NGOs is limited despite their proven success. To reduce the prevalence of wasting, it is critical to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration, improve CMAM coverage and supply chains, and ensure the integration of community-based approaches. Focused investments in health systems and nutrition governance are essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to child nutrition.

ABSTRACTSevere acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major concern in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), health care providers in therapeutic feeding units produce locally formulated food preparations empirically, with unknown macro‐ and micronutrient compositions. This study compares ingredients and nutritional values of locally formulated food preparation with those of standard ready‐to‐use therapeutic foods, as per Codex Alimentarius standards. A descriptive, comparative case study design was employed across outpatient therapeutic nutrition units (OTNUs) in four provinces of the DRC. Food samples were collected. Analysis included theoretical nutritional values calculation using NutVal software and laboratory analyses for selected nutrients (phosphorus, iron, calcium, magnesium, energy, lipids, and proteins) via standard protocols. From theoretical nutritional values, we calculate percentages of WHO/Codex Alimentarius requirements covered by the recipes and recipes in deficit by nutrient group. Laboratory analyses of selected nutrients were compared with the cut‐off of the corresponding nutrient in the Codex Alimentarius. Analyses were conducted using Stata 18. Locally formulated food preparations were mostly milk‐ and peanut‐free, often exceeding protein and lipid recommendations but deficient in vitamins (A, D, E, K, B12, folate), and critical minerals (calcium, iron, iodine, selenium, zinc). Compliance with Codex standards was very low, confirming macronutrient inadequacy but widespread micronutrient gaps. This study highlights critical gaps in locally formulated preparations in the management of SAM compared with WHO/Codex standards, emphasizing the need for fortification, balanced nutrients, and regulatory oversight. Engaging local industries, optimizing ingredient value chains, and rigorous evaluation are essential to ensure sustainable, effective, and context‐appropriate SAM treatment solutions.

Bioactive peptides and functional activity analysis in lactic acid bacteria-fermented donkey milk.

The impact on ICU patients of new enteral nutrition formula designed to maintain autophagy that is low in carbohydrates and leucine and high in lipids

Fortification of chamomile and saffron in dry yogurt production: Effects on its physicochemical and sensory properties.

Pectins belong to the group of soluble dietary fibers, which have found wide application as functional ingredients in the production of therapeutic and preventive foods due to a number of important functional properties, including immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, detoxifying, hypocholesterolemic, and gastroprotective effects. Pectins belong to heteropolysaccharides and consist of several polymer components: polygalacturonic acid, xylogalacturonan, apigalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonans I and II. Polygalacturonic acid, the main component of pectins (65 %), consists of α-D-galacturonic acid residues linked by α-1,4-bonds, while some of the carboxyl groups are esterified with methanol, and some of the secondary alcohol groups at C2 and C3 are acetylated. The extraction of pectins from non-traditional raw material sources and secondary processing resources has economic and ecological significance and makes it possible to increase the volumes of pectin production, as well as to obtain pectins with diverse properties. The obtaining of pectins from non-traditional raw materials is based on acid or enzymatic hydrolysis of native protopectin, which, depending on the type of raw material, proceeds at pH 1–1.5 at a temperature of 35–100 ℃ for 1–14 hours, with a hydromodule of 2–30, with the participation of hydrochloric, oxalic or citric acids. The degree of esterification and properties of the isolated pectins mainly depend on the raw material and the extraction conditions: to obtain low-methoxylated pectin, hydrolysis proceeds at normal temperature, and highly methoxylated pectin at elevated temperatures. If there is a need to reduce the degree of esterification of pectin, de-esterification is carried out by acid, alkaline, or enzymatic hydrolysis. Pectins perform important technological functions in food systems due to their solubility, increase in viscosity, gel structure formation, water and fat-retaining properties, and emulsifying and foaming ability. At the same time, the properties of pectins depend on their molecular weight, degree of esterification, the nature of the distribution of carboxyl groups, as well as on the temperature and pH of the medium. To provide new functional properties, pectins can be introduced into a wide range of food products - in the production of confectionery, bread, beverages, dairy, meat and fish products, canned goods, oils and fats.

Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) are a common treatment for children under five years diagnosed with acute malnutrition. However, traditional RUTFs are often not locally produced, and the costs of the RUTF can be a barrier to access in India and Pakistan. Our goal was to utilize linear programming (LP) to generate an RUTF formulation based on ingredients locally available in India and Pakistan. We also aim to evaluate the effectiveness of LP in generating such a recipe that is also nutrient-optimized to promote neurocognitive recovery. The RUTF recipe was generated by applying linear programming to a database of crop ingredients available in India, subject to nutritional constraints. The resulting formulation was produced and evaluated for nutrition content and shelf life. The efficacy of the LP tool was also evaluated based on the formulated product. We demonstrate that the linear programming tool is largely accurate in predicting the true nutritional content of the formulation. Furthermore, the generated formulation, per 100 g, meets many global macronutrient standards for RUTFs while maintaining a predicted cost that is lower than that of industry-standard products. The conducted shelf-life study indicates the viability of the RUTF throughout an accelerated testing period. In addition, the satisfactory consideration of LA and ALA levels provides our RUTF with the potential to address concerns about low DHA levels, and thereby cognitive health, as compared to traditional RUTFs. We use linear programming to generate an affordable and fatty acid-optimized RUTF based on locally available ingredients. Therefore, this formulation holds immense potential to benefit communities in India and Pakistan facing high levels of child malnutrition.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a known risk factor for hypercalcemia in cats. Phosphate-restricted diets have also been implicated in causing hypercalcemia, in part because phosphate restriction increases the Ca:P ratio. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of two different therapeutic renal foods on ionized (iCa) and total (tCa) calcium concentrations in cats with early-stage CKD. Twenty colony-housed cats with stage 1 or 2 CKD were enrolled, and 18 cats completed the study. Cats were randomly assigned to receive one of two diets formulated for renal disease for 140 days: a moderately phosphate restricted food (M-PR; n = 10 cats; 1.8 g/Mcal calcium; 1.5 g/Mcal phosphorus; Ca:P ratio, 1.2:1) or a more highly phosphate restricted food (H-PR; n = 8 cats; 2.3 g/Mcal calcium; 1.1 g/Mcal phosphorus; Ca:P ratio, 2.0:1). Blood and urine samples were collected on Days 0, 28, 84, and 140. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model with fixed effects of diet, day, and diet by day interaction. At baseline, all cats had iCa within the normal reference interval (1.10─1.30 mmol/L). On d28 and thereafter, cats fed H-PR food had higher iCa compared with cats fed M-PR food (day 140 means: 1.42 mmol/L vs. 1.24 mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.001). Results were similar for tCa (day 140 means: 11.49 mg/dL vs. 9.51 mg/dL, respectively; p < 0.001; normal reference interval 8.80-10.00 mg/dL). This corresponded to higher fractional excretion of calcium in urine in cats fed H-PR food (Day 140 means 1.18% vs. 0.19%; p < 0.001), and increased calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation risk metrics (Day 140 means for CaOx RSS 4.54 vs. 3.13; Day 140 means for CaOx CORI risk index 563 vs. 30/L, respectively; all p < 0.020). Cats fed H-PR food also had higher FGF-23 concentrations compared with cats fed M-PR food (Day 140 means: 2329 vs. 204 pg/mL, respectively; p = 0.003; normal reference interval ≤ 299 pg/mL), and lower calcitriol concentrations (Day 140 means: 94 vs. 186 pmol/L, respectively; p = 0.021; normal reference interval 90-342 pmol/L). PTH concentrations in cats consuming H-PR food were significantly decreased from their baseline means and from cats consuming M-PR food at all timepoints (Day 140 means: < 0.05 vs. 3.1 pmol/L, respectively; p < 0.050; normal reference interval 0.7-3.4 pmol/L). Therapeutic renal diets impact calcium status in cats with early-stage CKD, but the effect is formulation dependent. Cats fed a M-PR food maintained normal iCa and tCa, which suggests this food is a safe and well-accepted option for cats with early-stage renal disease.