Search Results (3,655)

Skeletal muscle is associated with cardiometabolic health. The appendicular skeletal muscle index (aSMI) represents the skeletal muscle mass “corrected” for height and constitutes a clinically applicable feature of sarcopenia. The relation of the aSMI with dietary habits is not clear, especially in young adults. The present pilot study aimed to investigate the relationship between the aSMI and Mediterranean diet adherence in young adults. A cross-sectional study of 151 university students was conducted. Anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis (TANITA-MC780) were performed. The aSMI was calculated as the sum of the upper and lower extremity muscle masses divided by height squared. The HPAQ questionnaire was used for physical activity evaluation. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used for dietary assessment, and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore) was calculated. Multivariate linear regression models with log-aSMI as a dependent variable were applied. The MedDietScore was positively related to log-aSMI in the total sample (B = 0.009, SE = 0.004, p = 0.05, R² for total model = 71%) irrespective of gender, age, ΒΜΙ, smoking, physical activity, and academic year and in males (B = 0.027, SE = 0.011, p = 0.023 R² for total model = 37%) irrespective οf age and ΒΜΙ. The positive association of the MedDietScore with aSMI supports the importance of the adoption of a Mediterranean dietary pattern—rich in plant proteins and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compounds—in maintaining/attaining muscle mass in young subjects. Full article

Rosa canina is well-known plant, and its fruits have been used for centuries. The seeds have been less utilized and remain untested. The objective of this study was to examine the physico-chemical properties of rosehip seeds and to identify potential applications based on their properties. The physico-chemical properties of the seeds were determined, including swelling index (2.51), color in the CIE L * a * b * space (b * = 26.2), as well as carbohydrate (79.2 g/100 g), soluble dietary fiber (71.6 g/100 g), protein (7.67 g/100 g), fat (6.23 g/100 g), and ash (1.96 g/100 g) content. Among the amino acids, glutamic acid dominated (1.58 mg/100 g), while among the fatty acids, linoleic acid (53.19%), linolenic acid (20.24%), and oleic acid (17.63%) were the most dominant. In addition, rosehip seeds contained large amounts of calcium (3851 mg/kg), potassium (2732 mg/kg), and phosphorus (991 mg/kg), as well as vitamin C (1783 μg/g). It was found that the content of other valuable phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds (2633 μg/g) and carotenoids (3.13 μg/g) influenced the antioxidant properties of the tested raw material. This activity examined by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity methods was assessed at a level of 191 and 229 μmol TE/g, respectively. The results indicate the potential use of rosehip seed, a by-product of the food processing industry, as a new high-value ingredient for health products, such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Youthful, smooth skin is highly desired in modern society. Individuals invest in cosmetics, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists in pursuit of perfect skin. However, many do not seek out dietary changes to improve skin health. Although research has been conducted on the role of nutrition and select nutrients and phytonutrients on skin health, there is a lack of healthy food recommendations for clear skin. Methods: The literature was assessed to determine which nutrients and phytonutrients play a significant role in the protection and maintenance of skin health. Key compounds were highlighted as there is evidence to suggest they have a significant role in skin health: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols/flavonoids, copper, selenium, and silicon. USDA FoodData Central and FooDB (food database), were utilized to select foods and food groups containing the key nutrients and phytonutrients. Results: A skin-healthy dietary pattern is proposed in addition to a scoring system to assess diet. A sample skin-healthy daily diet was designed, using only whole foods, that met the Daily Values for vitamins and minerals and contained key compounds for skin health. Conclusions: There is a clear link between nutrition and skin health, or nutritional dermatology; however, more research needs to be done to find the intersection between both disciplines. Full article

Nitrate is abundant in natural foods, especially plant-based foods, having the potential to enhance muscle function. However, its relationship with sarcopenia in the context of daily diet remains unexplored. This cohort study investigated the associations between dietary nitrate intake and sarcopenia, as well as related symptoms, using data including 28,229 participants with a mean follow-up of 9.37 years from the UK Biobank. Dietary nitrate intake was estimated using a comprehensive nitrate food database. Adjusted logistic regression models suggested potential inverse associations between total nitrate intake and risks of sarcopenia plus pre-sarcopenia (Sarc-Presarc), low hand grip strength (HGS), and low walking pace. Similar results were primarily observed for nitrate from plant-based foods. With higher intake, females appeared to have higher HGS and a decreased risk of Sarc-Presarc, while males exhibited a reduced risk of low walking pace. The inverse association between nitrate intake and low skeletal muscle mass index was more evident in individuals aged 65 and above. These associations seemed independent of antioxidants, though higher antioxidants might augment the protective effect against low walking pace. Mediation analyses indicated that protein homeostasis and blood pressure might mediate these associations. These findings suggested that a higher dietary nitrate intake from plant-based foods could contribute to sarcopenia prevention, though further research is needed to confirm these observations. Full article

Biomarkers constitute a valuable tool to diagnose both the incidence and the prevalence of chronic diseases and may help to inform the design and effectiveness of precision nutrition interventions. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the foremost cause of death all over the world. While the reasons that lead to increased risk for CVD are multifactorial, dyslipidemias, plasma concentrations of specific lipoproteins, and dynamic measures of lipoprotein function are strong biomarkers to predict and document coronary heart disease incidence. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the biomarkers and emerging approaches that can be utilized to characterize lipoprotein profiles as predictive tools for assessing CVD risk, including the assessment of traditional clinical lipid panels, measures of lipoprotein efflux capacity and inflammatory and antioxidant activity, and omics-based characterization of lipoprotein composition and regulators of lipoprotein metabolism. In addition, we discuss demographic, genetic, metagenomic, and lifestyle determinants of lipoprotein profiles—such as age, sex, gene variants and single-nucleotide polymorphisms, gut microbiome profiles, dietary patterns, physical inactivity, obesity status, smoking and alcohol intake, and stress—which are likely to be essential factors to explain interindividual responses to precision nutrition recommendations to mitigate CVD risk. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the combination effects of α-glycerol monolaurate (GML) and glyceryl tributyrate (TB) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota, and immune function in weaned piglets. A total of 120 weaned piglets with an average body weight (BW) of 6.88 kg were randomly allocated to one of the three dietary treatments: (1) CON: a basal diet; (2) 0.1%: a basal diet with 0.1% MSCFA (GML/TB = 1:1); (3) 0.2%: a basal diet with 0.2% MSCFA (GML/TB = 1:1). The experiment lasted 28 days. There were no differences on average daily growth (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Supplementation with 0.1% MSCFA increased apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE, p < 0.05) on d 14 and increased GE (p < 0.05) on d 28 compared with the CON group. The ATTD of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) of piglets supplemented with 0.1% MSCFA was higher (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, supplementation with 0.1% MSCFA increased immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentration, decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6) content (p < 0.05) on d 14 and decreased malonaldehyde (MDA), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6 concentrations (p < 0.05) on d 28. Supplementation with 0.1% MSCFA increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentration (p < 0.05), decreased GSH-Px, MDA content (p < 0.05) in jejunum compared with the CON group. Moreover, supplementation with MSCFA increased the activity of duodenal lipase (p < 0.05) and the abundance of firmicutes and decreased the abundance of proteobacteria compared with the CON group. Overall, supplementation with MSCFA can improve nutrient digestibility, enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity, and improve the intestinal health of piglets. The combined use of MSCFA is a nutrition regulation strategy worthy of further exploration in modern animal husbandry. Full article

Objectives: The present study describes the comparative effect of 24-week supplementation of beeswax alcohol (BWA, Raydel^®, 0.5% and 1.0%, wt/wt) and coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀, 0.5% and 1.0%, wt/wt) on plasma oxidative variables and the prevention of organ injury in adult zebrafish subjected to a high-cholesterol (HC, 4%, wt/wt) and -D-galactose (Gal, 30%, wt/wt) diet. Methods: Adult zebrafish were fed various HC+Gal diets enriched with either BWA or CoQ₁₀. After 24 weeks of dietary intervention, blood and organs were harvested for subsequent biochemical and histological evaluations. Results: The HC+Gal-elevated plasma oxidative variables were reverted by the consumption of BWA, marked by the lowest plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level and highest sulfhydryl content. The HC+Gal-impaired zebrafish swimming ability (staggering movement) was substantially recovered by BWA, manifested by a ~three-fold (p < 0.001) enhancement in swimming distance and speed. Also, the intake of BWA affected the morphology of HC+Gal-compromised kidney and induced histological changes by mitigating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular senescence, which was markedly more effective than the results seen in the CoQ₁₀ group. Likewise, BWA proved effective in preventing HC+Gal-induced testis damage, apparent in the 48.3% (p < 0.05) higher spermatozoa and 26.3% (p < 0.01) reduced interstitial space between the seminiferous tubules. BWA substantially prevented HC+Gal-induced ovary damage by suppressing oxidative stress, lipid deposition and senescence, leading to the restoration of mature vitellogenic oocyte counts. Conclusion: BWA demonstrated a greater ability than CoQ₁₀ to enhance plasma antioxidant status, suppress ROS generation, delay organ aging and alleviate HC+Gal-induced adversity in zebrafish. Full article

Dietary fiber (DF), and especially soluble dietary fiber (SDF), is a nutrient of particular interest today because of its anti-inflammatory role and its ability to reduce cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the enhancement of SDF in foods using different techniques has become a promising field of research. In order to prove the possibility of increasing this SDF content, the effects of different commercial enzymes (Pectinex^® Ultra SP-L, Viscozyme^® L and Celluclast^® 1.5 L) were tested on a variety of carob (CE), artichoke (ARE), apple (APE) and broccoli (BE) by-product extracts. Enzymatic treatment significantly affected SDF content in all by-products, showing the greatest increases for CE, ARE and APE using Celluclast^® 1.5 L, while Viscozyme^® L obtained the best results after application in BE. On the other hand, positive results were reported in the solubility, WHC and FAC of the by-products due to the enzymatic treatment, being increased in all extracts analyzed. Moreover, a general increase in antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS and DPPH) was observed after enzymatic treatment. Finally, high yields were obtained after the application of the enzymatic processes, reaching values of 80–85% for each food by-product. These results evidenced a potential revalorization of carob, artichoke, apple and broccoli by-products after enzymatic treatment, improving its nutritional and physicochemical properties, revealing a possible application as a higher value-added ingredient. Full article

Rhamnus formosana is a creeping evergreen shrub endemic to Taiwan. In traditional medicine, Rhamnaceae plants are used as herbal remedies for conditions such as itching, difficulty urinating, and constipation. This study explores the inhibitory effects of various solvent extracts and bioactive components of R. formosana on α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and antioxidant activity. The 100 °C water extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, and FRAP assays. The methanol extract demonstrated the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, while the ethanol extract displayed potent AChE inhibition and the acetone extract showed the most potential tyrosinase inhibitory activity among the extracts. Five main biocomponents were isolated and evaluated for their bioactivities. Among them, kaempferol (1) and quercetin (2) exhibited notable antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS assays. Particularly, kaempferol (1) performed the best α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, physcion (5) showed the strongest AChE inhibition, and quercetin (2) demonstrated the most potential for tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Further molecular docking studies revealed that there may be stronger binding mechanisms between bioactive components and target enzymes (including α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase) than the positive control. These findings suggest that bioactive extracts and compounds from the stems of R. formosana may have potential as natural antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, anti-AChE, and anti-tyrosinase drug candidates or dietary supplements for the management of oxidative stress-related conditions, including hyperglycemia, pigmentation disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Effects of in ovo and dietary sources of calcidiol (25(OH)D₃), combined with Marek’s disease vaccine (MDV), on the expression of genes involved with the antioxidant activity, muscle deposition, and immunity in the pectoralis major (P. major) muscle and spleen of 40 d of age (doa) broilers were investigated. The in ovo treatments were as follows: (1) non-injected; (2) the injection of 50 μL of commercial MDV, (3) MDV + 1.2, or (4) 2.4 μg of 25(OH)D₃. All birds received either a commercial diet containing no supplemental 25(OH)D₃ (control) or the same diet supplemented with an additional 69 µg of 25(OH)D₃ per kg of feed (Hy-D diet). At 40 doa, the pectoralis major (P. major) muscle and spleen of 48 birds (six replicates per diet x in ovo treatment combination) were collected. When compared to un-supplemented commercial diet-fed birds, in birds that were fed the Hy-D diet, the expression of the TGF-β4 gene in the spleen and P. major muscle, and the GSH-P1, GSH-P7, SOD2, MyoG, MyoD1, and Pax3 genes in the P. major muscle were up-regulated, whereas the expression of the IL-1β, IL-8, and CYP24A1 genes in the spleen and P. major muscle were down-regulated. Nevertheless, birds that received any of the in ovo injection doses of 25(OH)D₃ exhibited a higher expression of the IL-10, TGF-β4, and CYP27B1 genes in the spleen and P. major muscle. Furthermore, in comparison to the MDV-injected control group, the CAT, MyoD1, and Pax3 genes in the P. major muscle were up-regulated, and the expression of the INF-γ, IL-1β and CYP24A1 genes in the spleen and the IL-8, and IL-1β genes in the P. major muscle were down-regulated. In conclusion, a significant improvement in the expression of genes responsible for enzymatic antioxidant activity, protein synthesis, and inflammatory reactions in 40-day-old broilers occurred in response to in ovo and dietary supplemental 25(OH)D₃, and supplemental 25OHD₃ provided via either route was used to enhance the expression of genes linked to vitamin D activity (CYP27B1, CYP24A1). Full article

Fresh homemade juice has become increasingly popular as it contains healthy functional ingredients without additives and preservatives but has preserved freshness and nutritional value. Capsicum annuum L. fruits are a well-known natural source of bioactive components, including phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber. This study assessed the physicochemical property, antioxidant activity, and bioactive compounds of three homemade sweet pepper (yellow, orange, and red) juices prepared using two household juicers: high-speed blender and low-speed masticating juicer. The results indicated that all the juices prepared using both juicers exhibited high nutritional values and antioxidant activities, as evident from the total polyphenol, carotenoid, vitamin C, and glucose contents, total antioxidant capacity, and radical scavenging activities. Among them, orange pepper juice had better functional properties. Furthermore, seedless pepper juices appeared to be better than those with seeds. Additionally, pepper juices prepared using the low-speed juicer exhibited higher physicochemical and functional characteristics than those prepared using the high-speed blender throughout the 14-day storage period. These results demonstrate that seedless orange juice has diverse bioactive components and high antioxidant capacities. Moreover, using a low-speed juicer offers distinct advantages over a high-speed blender in producing pepper juices with superior quality and functional properties. Full article

Functional carob beverages have recently attracted consumer attention as a natural and sustainable alternative due to their excellent nutritional profile and associated health benefits. Derived from the pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.), which thrives in Mediterranean regions, these beverages are naturally sweet, caffeine-free, and rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. This review highlights the nutritional composition of carob beverages, noting their high fiber content, antioxidant capacity, and lack of stimulating alkaloids, making them an ideal option for health-conscious consumers. The manufacturing processes, phytochemical properties, and sensory qualities of carob beverages are discussed, along with their potential roles in promoting digestive, cardiovascular, and metabolic health. The growing interest in carob reflects broader trends in sustainable food systems and plant-based nutrition, positioning carob beverages as a promising choice in the functional beverage industry. Full article

Grape pomace (GP), a byproduct of winemaking, has gained significant attention as a sustainable and functional ingredient with applications in the food and nutraceutical industries. This review examines the potential of GP in meat products and analogs, functional foods, and nutraceuticals, highlighting its composition, health benefits, and role in enhancing nutritional and functional properties. Rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, essential fatty acids, and bioactive compounds, GP exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut health-promoting effects, making it suitable for various food applications. Its incorporation into meat products, such as sausages and patties, improves texture, enhances shelf life, and increases nutritional value while reducing the environmental footprint. GP is also effective in functional foods such as baked goods, dairy and plant-based yoghurts, smoothies, and snack bars, where it can enrich fiber and polyphenol content, aid in satiety, and provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The challenge is how to maintain the sensory properties characteristic of conventional, unmodified products. In nutraceuticals, GP’s polyphenolic compounds and dietary fiber support antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic health functions, with applications as antioxidant supplements, gut health boosters, weight management aids, and cardiovascular health supplements. Despite challenges such as taste modification and optimizing bioavailability, GP’s versatility and sustainability highlight its value in developing innovative, health-oriented products. This review emphasizes the promise of GP as a valuable ingredient in functional foods and nutraceutical formulations, contributing to health, sustainability, and resource efficiency. Full article

Given the current global circumstances, marked by severe environmental pollution—including the contamination of food—along with daily stress and a sedentary lifestyle, many consumers choose to improve their quality of life by using, among others, minimally processed food, food supplements, and gemmo-derivatives. Recent lab and clinical studies have shown the positive impact of specific nutrients with antioxidant capacities in the treatment of several conditions generated by oxidative stress. This paper reviews antioxidant plant extracts utilized as components in various dietary supplements and gemmoderivatives, highlighting their chemical composition and biological properties in preventing diseases caused by oxidative stress. A modern approach to food science brings to the fore the concept of dietary supplements vs. functional food, nutraceuticals, and gemmo-derivatives. The definitions of these terms are not being unanimously regulated in this respect and describe each category of compound and product, also emphasizing the need to implement adequate nutrivigilance. In order to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of dietary supplements and gemmo-derivatives based on antioxidant plant extracts, some encapsulation techniques are outlined. Full article

Mulberry branch extracts (MBEs) have garnered significant attention as natural feed additives and antioxidants; however, their antioxidant properties in meat post-slaughter and their influence on muscle-related metabolic processes remain largely unexplored. Herein, we evaluated the effects of MBEs on the antioxidant capacity and metabolic processes of breast muscle in yellow-feather broilers by adding 0 g/kg, 1.5 g/kg, 3.0 g/kg, and 4.5 g/kg of MBEs to their diets. The results demonstrate that MBEs enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes in muscle tissue. Specifically, a real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that MBEs increased the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes in a dose-dependent manner, activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and upregulated the expression of the Nrf2 gene and its downstream targets at doses of up to 3.0 g/kg. Furthermore, the results of widely targeted metabolomics indicate that the dietary supplementation of MBEs changed the amino acid profile of the muscle, increasing the levels of amino acids and small peptides that contribute to antioxidant properties while reducing the contents of oxidized lipids and carnitine (C5:1) and partially reducing the content of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Notably, at doses of up to 3 g/kg, the levels of five signature bile acids increased in correlation with the added dose. A KEGG analysis indicated that the differential metabolites were predominantly enriched in the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, suggesting that the function of MBEs may be associated with the expression of P450 enzymes. In summary, this study demonstrates that MBEs are effective, safe, and natural antioxidants, offering a viable solution to mitigating oxidative stress in the yellow-feather broiler farming industry and even in livestock farming. Full article