Dietary fiber and body weight

Impact of resistant starch: Absorption of dietary minerals, glycemic index and oxidative stress in healthy rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Resistant starch (RS) is a prebiotic fiber that has been scientifically shown to control the development of obesity. Prebiotic role of RS has also seen to be very important as it helps gut bacteria to regulate fermentation and fatty acid production. This study aimed to check the different levels of RS on glycemic index, oxidative stress and mineral absorption rate in healthy rat models. To evaluate these objectives, the trial was conducted for 40 days of follow up; 10 days were the adjustment period and the collection period over 30 days.

METHODS

Thirty-six healthy female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of (9 animals each) NC (Normal Control: without resistant starch), RS0.20 (resistant starch: 0.20 g/kg body weight), RS0.30 (resistant starch: 0.30 g/kg body weight), RS0.40 (resistant starch: 0.40 g/kg body weight). All the diets were isocaloric and isonitroginous.

RESULTS

The impact of different levels of RS on the dry-matter intake (DMI) presented statistically significant results (p ≤ 0.05): DMI was reduced in RS (0.02) fed rats as compared to NC rats in first 3 weeks; and after 4th and 5th weeks, there was a DMI reduction of 28% in RS (0.04) fed rats. Moreover, there was no significant increase in the nutrient intake in all RS diets. The dry-matter (DM) digestibility was statistically significantly (P ≤ 0·05), which increased in all rats fed with different level of RS. The weight loss showed statistically significant results: RS (0.04) exhibited 19 g reduction in weight as compared with NC rats. Significant increase was observed in total oxidant status (TOS), in all the RS fed rats when compared with NC rats. The levels of Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn were shown to be decrease in feces analysis, which proves their better absorbance in gut. Statistically significant increase was observed in antioxidant capacity, whereas significant decrease was observed in the total weight of the animals, showing the role of RS in controlling obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, significant results were found in all dosage level of RS but long term administration of the higher dosage level (RS0.40) may need to be studied for enhanced results. RS can help improve insulin sensitivity in overweight adults.

Relationship between Rumen Microbial Differences and Phenotype Traits among Hu Sheep and Crossbred Offspring Sheep

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of three-way hybrid sheep and Hu sheep on serum indicators, rumen fermentation, rumen enzyme activity, and microorganisms in sheep. Healthy and similar birth weights from three groups (Hu, n = 11; Charolais × Australian White × Hu, CAH, n = 11; Charolais × Dorper × Hu, CDH, n = 11) were selected to be fed by the ewes until 45 days of age. Subsequently, they were weaned intensively and underwent short-term fattening for 3 months along with selected male lambs fed intensively. During this period, they were fed and watered ad libitum. Blood and rumen fluid were collected and analyzed for serum indicators and rumen fluid microorganisms, enzyme activity, and VFA, respectively, at the end of the fattening period. Compared with Hu lamb, the offspring of the three-way hybrid lamb showed significant improvements in body weight, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine content. However, there was no significant effect on serum immunity and antioxidant indices. In addition, the rumen fluid volatile fatty acid (VFA) molar concentration and microcrystalline cellulose and lipase content were significantly lower in the three-way hybrid lamb compared to Hu lamb, but β-glucosidase, amylase, pepsin, and VFA molar ratio were not significantly affected. Subsequently, 16S rRNA sequencing diversity analysis revealed that three-way hybrid lamb significantly increased rumen microbial ACE and Chao1 indices compared to Hu lamb. Meanwhile, the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota and Synergistota significantly increased at the phylum level. Correlation analysis showed that Prevotella had the highest proportion, while Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group correlated most closely with others genus. The microbial communities isovaleric acid molar concentration and proportion were strongly correlated. In addition, there were significant differences in correlations between microbial communities and isobutyric acid, butyric acid and valeric acid content, and their molar proportion, but they were not significantly correlated with digestive enzymes. From the functional enrichment analysis, it was found that hybrid progeny were mainly enriched in the pyruvate metabolism, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, carbon metabolism, and quorum sensing pathways. In contrast, the Hu sheep were primarily enriched in the cysteine and methionine, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolite pathways. These results suggest that hybridization can play a role in regulating organismal metabolism and improve animal production performance by influencing the structure and characteristics of microbial communities.

Fiber rich food suppressed airway inflammation, GATA3 + Th2 cells, and FcεRIα+ eosinophils in asthma

Background

Allergic Asthma is a disease presenting various endotypes and no current therapies act curative but alleviate disease symptoms. Dietary interventions are gaining increasing importance in regulating immune responses. Furthermore, short chain fatty acids (SFCA), as the main products of dietary fiber's fermentation by the gut bacteria, ameliorate the pathogenesis and disease burden of different illnesses including asthma. Nevertheless, the connection and crosstalk between the gut and lung is poorly understood.

Objective

In this work, the role of high fiber diet on the development of allergic asthma at baseline and after exacerbation of disease induced by respiratory viruses was investigated.

Methods

Hereby, SCFA in serum of asthmatic and non-asthmatic pre-school children before and after airway disease symptoms were analyzed. Moreover, the effect of high fiber diet in vivo in a murine model of house dust mite extract (HDM) induced allergic asthma and in the end in isolated lung and spleen cells infected ex vivo with Rhinovirus was analyzed.

Results

In this study, a decrease of the SCFA 3-Hydroxybutyric acid in serum of asthmatic children after symptomatic episodes at convalescent visit as compared to asthmatic and control children at baseline visit was observed. In experimental asthma, in mice fed with high fiber diet, a reduced lung GATA3 + Th2 type mediated inflammation, mucus production and collagen deposition and expression of Fc epsilon receptor Ia (FcεRIa) in eosinophils was observed. By contrast, the CD8+ memory effector T cells were induced in the lungs of asthmatic mice fed with high fiber diet. Then, total lung cells from these asthmatic mice fed with either standard food or with fiber rich food were infected with RV ex vivo. Here, RV1b mRNA was found significantly reduced in the lung cells derived from fiber rich food fed mice as compared to those derived from standard food fed asthmatic mice. Looking for the mechanism, an increase in CD8+ T cells in RV infected spleen cells derived from fiber rich fed asthmatic mice, was observed.

Conclusion

Convalescent preschool asthmatic children after a symptomatic episode have less serum ß-Hydroxybutyric acid as compared to control and asthmatic children at baseline visit. Fiber rich diet associated with anti-inflammatory effects as well as anti-allergic effects by decreasing Type 2 and IgE mediated immune responses and inducing CD8+ memory effector T cells in a murine model of allergic asthma. Finally, ex vivo infection with Rhinovirus (RV) of total lung cells from asthmatic mice fed with fiber rich food led to a decreased RV load as compared to mice fed with standard food. Moreover, spleen cells derived from asthmatic mice fed with fiber rich food induced CD8+ T cells after ex vivo infection with RV.

Clinical implications

Dietary interventions with increased content in natural fibers like pectins would ameliorate asthma exacerbations. Moreover, respiratory infection in asthma downregulated SCFA in the gut contributing to asthma exacerbations.

Differences in dietary acceptability, restraint, disinhibition, and hunger among African American participants randomized to either a vegan or omnivorous soul food diet

The Nutritious Eating with Soul study was a 24-month, randomized behavioral nutrition intervention among African American adults. This present study, which is a secondary analysis of the NEW Soul study, examined changes in dietary acceptability, restraint, disinhibition, and hunger. Participants (n = 159; 79% female, 74% with ≥ college degree, mean age 48.4 y) were randomized to either a soul food vegan (n = 77) or soul food omnivorous (n = 82) diet and participated in a two-year behavioral nutrition intervention. Questionnaires assessing dietary acceptability (Food Acceptability Questionnaire; FAQ) and dietary restraint, disinhibition, and hunger (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire; TFEQ) were completed at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Mixed models were specified with main effects (group and time) and interaction effects (group by time) to estimate mean differences in FAQ and TFEQ scores using intent-to-treat analysis. After adjusting for employment, education, food security status, sex, and age, there were no differences in any of the FAQ items, total FAQ score, dietary restraint, disinhibition, and hunger at any timepoint except for one item of the FAQ at 12 months. Participants in the vegan group reported a greater increase in satisfaction after eating a meal than the omnivorous group (mean difference 0.80 ± 0.32, 95% CI 0.18, 1.42; P = 0.01). This is one of the first studies to examine differences in dietary acceptability, hunger, and other eating factors among African American adults randomized to either a vegan or omnivorous soul food diet. The findings highlight that plant-based eating styles are equally acceptable to omnivorous eating patterns and have similar changes in hunger, restraint, and disinhibition. These results suggest that plant-based eating styles can be an acceptable dietary pattern to recommend for cardiovascular disease prevention and may result in greater post-meal satisfaction.

Oxidized konjac glucomannan: A safe dietary fiber influencing mouse gut microbiota

In this 13-week study, the potential effects of oxidized konjac glucomannan (OKGM) on ICR mice's metabolic health and gut microbiota were investigated and contrasted with enzyme-hydrolyzed KGM (EKGM) at a same molecular weight. Mice were fed diets containing 0 %, 2.5 %, 5.0 %, and 7.5 % of OKGM for 13 weeks. Results indicated that OKGM induced no adverse effects, with overall health, body weight gain, food consumption, and clinical pathology parameters being comparable to the control group. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level for OKGM was determined at 7.5 % in the diet, corresponding to 10.21 and 12.01 g/kg/day for male and female mice, respectively. OKGM intake positively regulated gut microbiota, characterized by a reduction in the relative abundance of Firmicutes, an increase in Bacteroidetes, and an enhanced presence of Lactobacillus, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri. In comparison, EKGM differently modulated the microbiota, notably increasing Muribaculaceae. These findings suggest that OKGM has the potential to be a functional food additive.

Sex differences in waist circumference obesity and eating speed: a cross-sectional study of Japanese people with normal body mass index

Background

Fast eating has been positively associated with visceral fat accumulation in normal-weight individuals according to body mass index (BMI). However, previous studies have not examined energy and nutrients, or adjusted for food intake. We examined the relationship between eating speed and visceral fat accumulation, using waist circumference as an index, in middle-aged participants who were considered to be of standard weight according to BMI, with nutrient intake added as an adjustment factor.

Methods

We included 6,548 Japanese participants (3,875 men and 2,673 women) aged 40-74 years with BMI 18.5-25.0 kg/m2 who were enrolled in the Yamagata Cohort Study. Participants were divided into "fast," "normal," and "slow" eaters according to self-reported eating speed. Nutrient and food intake were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire, and the difference in intake by eating speed and sex was compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between waist circumference obesity (men ≥85 cm, women ≥90 cm, according to Japanese criteria) and eating speed, adjusted for nutrient intake and other lifestyle habits.

Results

In men, slow eaters had greater intakes of dietary protein, fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), omega-3 PUFA, total dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber, soybean products, fish, green and yellow vegetables, other vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed in comparison with normal-speed eaters. In men, waist circumference obesity was significantly lower among slow eaters than in the group with normal eating speed. In women, waist circumference obesity was not significantly associated with eating speed and was not also associated with nutrient/food consumption except omega-6 PUFA.

Conclusion

Eating slowly was associated with healthy dietary habits. Our results could help prevent waist circumference obesity in men with a BMI between 18.5 and 25.0 kg/m2. However, similar findings were not observed in women, suggesting a sex difference.

Association between dietary phytochemical index and risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Dietary intake of phytochemicals has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, but research on their relationship with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is limited. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between a Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) and BPH risk in a Middle-Eastern population.

METHODS

The study recruited 112 BPH patients and 112 age-matched healthy controls (40-75 years) from Al-Zahra Hospital Clinic in Isfahan, Iran between 2021 and 2022. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire, and DPI was calculated as the ratio of energy intake from phytochemical-rich foods to total daily energy intake. Logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

In the crude model, participants in the highest DPI tertile had a 70% lower odds of BPH compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR:0.3, 95% CI 0.15-0.61, P-trend = 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, this inverse association remained significant (OR:0.23, 95% CI 0.15-0.63, P-trend = 0.001). Participants with higher DPI consumed more whole grains (p = 0.02), nuts (p < 0.001), legumes (p = 0.02), fruits (p < 0.001), vegetables (p < 0.001), olives and oilve products (p = 0.02), and tomato and its products (p < 0.001) in their diet compared to the lowest tertile. However, red meat (p = 0.03) and refined grains (p < 0.001) were consumed in higher amounts in the lowest tertile compared to the highest DPI tertile.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a protective association between DPI and BPH risk in the Middle-Eastern population. Encouraging higher intake of phytochemical-rich foods may help reduce the risk of BPH, highlighting the relevance of nutritional science in promoting prostate health.

The Impact of Glucomannan, Inulin, and Psyllium Supplementation (SolowaysTM) on Weight Loss in Adults with FTO, LEP, LEPR, and MC4R Polymorphisms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

This study aimed to determine the impact of a fiber supplement on body weight and composition in individuals with obesity with specific genetic polymorphisms. It involved 112 adults with obesity, each with at least one minor allele in the FTO, LEP, LEPR, or MC4R polymorphism. Participants were randomized to receive either a fiber supplement (glucomannan, inulin, and psyllium) or a placebo for 180 days. The experimental group showed significant reductions in body weight (treatment difference: -4.9%; 95% CI: -6.9% to -2.9%; p < 0.01) and BMI (treatment difference: -1.4 kg/m2; 95% CI: -1.7 to -1.2; p < 0.01) compared to placebo. Further significant decreases in fat mass (treatment difference: -13.0%; 95% CI: -14.4 to -11.7; p < 0.01) and visceral fat rating (treatment difference: -1.3; 95% CI: -1.6 to -1.0; p < 0.01) were noted. Homozygous minor allele carriers experienced greater decreases in body weight (treatment difference: -3.2%; 95% CI: -4.9% to -1.6%; p < 0.01) and BMI (treatment difference: -1.2 kg/m2; 95% CI: -2.0 to -0.4; p < 0.01) compared to heterozygous allele carriers. These carriers also had a more significant reduction in fat mass (treatment difference: -9.8%; 95% CI: -10.6 to -9.1; p < 0.01) and visceral fat rating (treatment difference: -0.9; 95% CI: -1.3 to -0.5; p < 0.01). A high incidence of gastrointestinal events was reported in the experimental group (74.6%), unlike the placebo group, which reported no side effects. Dietary supplementation with glucomannan, inulin, and psyllium effectively promotes weight loss and improves body composition in individuals with obesity, particularly those with specific genetic polymorphisms.

Dietary intake and visceral adiposity in older adults: The Multiethnic Cohort Adiposity Phenotype study

Background

There are established links between the accumulation of body fat as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and the risk of developing obesity-associated metabolic disease. Previous studies have suggested that levels of intake of specific foods and nutrients are associated with VAT accumulation after accounting for total energy intake.

Objective

This study assessed associations between a priori selected dietary factors on VAT quantified using abdominal magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

The cross-sectional Multiethnic Cohort Adiposity Phenotype Study included n = 395 White, n = 274 Black, n = 269 Native Hawaiian, n = 425 Japanese American and n = 358 Latino participants (mean age = 69 years ± 3 SD). Participants were enrolled stratified on sex, race, ethnicity and body mass index. General linear models were used to estimate the mean VAT area (cm2) for participants categorized into quartiles based on their dietary intake of selected foods/nutrients adjusting for age, sex, racial and ethnic groups, the total percentage fat from whole-body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and total energy.

Results

There were significant inverse associations with VAT for dietary intake of total vegetables, total fruits (including juice), cereals, whole grains, calcium, copper and dietary fiber (p-trend ≤0.04). Positive trends were observed for VAT for participants who reported higher intake of potatoes, total fat and saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p-trend ≤0.02). Foods/nutrients that met the multiple testing significance threshold were total fruits, whole grains, copper, dietary fiber and SFA intake.

Conclusions

These results highlight foods and nutrients including SFA, total fruit, whole grains, fiber and copper as potential candidates for future research to inform dietary guidelines for the prevention of chronic disease among older adults.

Plasma Concentration of 36 (Poly)phenols and Prospective Body Weight Change in Participants from the EPIC Cohort

INTRODUCTION

Dietary intake of (poly)phenols has been linked to reduced adiposity and body weight (BW) in several epidemiological studies. However, epidemiological evidence on (poly)phenol biomarkers, particularly plasma concentrations, is scarce. We aimed to investigate the associations between plasma (poly)phenols and prospective BW change in participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort.

METHODS

This study included 761 participants with data on BW at baseline and after 5 years of follow-up. Plasma concentrations of 36 (poly)phenols were measured at baseline using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Associations were assessed through general linear mixed models and multinomial logistic regression models, using change in BW as a continuous or as a categorical variable (BW loss, maintenance, gain), respectively. Plasma (poly)phenols were assessed as log2-transformed continuous variables. The false discovery rate (FDR) was used to control for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Doubling plasma (poly)phenol concentrations showed a borderline trend towards a positive association with BW loss. Plasma vanillic acid showed the strongest association (-0.53 kg/5 years; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.99, -0.07). Similar results were observed for plasma naringenin comparing BW loss versus BW maintenance (odds ratio: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.2). These results did not remain significant after FDR correction.

CONCLUSION

Higher concentrations of plasma (poly)phenols suggested a tendency towards 5-year BW maintenance or loss. While certain associations seemed promising, they did not withstand FDR correction, indicating the need for caution in interpreting these results. Further studies using (poly)phenol biomarkers are needed to confirm these suggestive protective trends.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Combining White Kidney Bean Extract, Propolis Ethanolic Extract and CrPi3 on Sprague-Dawley Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Obesity has been associated with the occurrence and prevalence of various chronic metabolic diseases. The management of obesity has evolved to focus not only on reducing weight, but also on preventing obesity-related complications. Studies have shown that bioactive components in natural products like white kidney bean extract (WKBE), propolis ethanolic extract (PEE), and chromium picolinate (CrPi3) showed anti-obesity properties. However, no studies have examined the outcomes of combining any of these nutraceutical supplements. We compared the effects of HFD supplemented with WKBE, WKBE+PEE, or WKBE+PEE+CrPi3 against control and obese groups using Sprague-Dawley rats fed a 45% high-fat diet as an in vivo model. Nutritional parameters, biochemical parameters, and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, liver function, kidney function, and gut health were among the comparable effects. Our findings showed that combining the three nutraceutical supplements had a synergetic effect on reducing weight gain, food utilization rate, abdominal fat, serum lipids, arterial and hepatic lipids, risk of cardiovascular disease, and blood glucose level, in addition to improving renal function and gut microbiota. We attributed these effects to the α-amylase inhibitor action of WKBE, flavonoids, and polyphenol content of PEE, which were potentiated with CrPi3 resulting in a further reduction or normalization of certain parameters.

Overview of Natural Supplements for the Management of Diabetes and Obesity

Bioactive compounds found in various natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, have been studied for their potential benefits in managing obesity and diabetes. These compounds include polyphenols, flavonoids, other antioxidants, fiber, and certain fatty acids. Studies have found that these compounds may improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss. However, the effects of these compounds can vary depending on the type and amount consumed, as well as individual factors, such as genetics and lifestyle. Nutraceutical substances have multifaceted therapeutic advantages, and they have been reported to have disease-prevention and health-promoting properties. Several clinically used nutraceuticals have been shown to target the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome and their complications and modulate various clinical outcomes favorably. This review aims to highlight and comment on some of the most prominent natural components used as antidiabetics and in managing obesity.

Food as medicine: a quasi-randomized control trial of two healthy food interventions for chronic disease management among ambulatory patients at an urban academic center

BACKGROUND

Globally, poor nutrition is a driver of many chronic diseases and is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor. Accordingly, there is growing interest in the direct provision of healthy foods to patients to tackle diet-linked chronic diseases and mortality.

AIM

To assess the effect of two healthy food interventions in conjunction with nutrition counseling and education on select chronic disease markers, food insecurity, diet quality, depression, and on self-efficacy for healthy eating, healthy weight, and chronic disease management.

METHODS

This parallel-arm quasi-randomized control trial will be conducted between January 2022 and December 2023. Seventy adult patients recruited from a single academic medical center will be randomly assigned to receive either: i) daily ready-made frozen healthy meals or ii) a weekly produce box and recipes for 15 weeks. Participants will, additionally, take part in one individual nutrition therapy session and watch videos on healthy eating, weight loss, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Data on weight, height, glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, and diabetes and blood pressure medications will be collected in-person at the baseline visit and at 16 weeks from baseline and via medical chart review at six months and 12 months from enrollment. The primary outcome of the study is weight loss at 16 weeks from baseline. Pre- and post-intervention survey data will be analyzed for changes in food insecurity, diet quality, depression, as well as self-efficacy for health eating, healthy weight, and chronic disease management. Through retrospective chart review, patients who received standard of care will be matched to intervention group participants as controls based on body mass index, type 2 diabetes, and/or hypertension.

FINDINGS

By elucidating the healthy food intervention with better health outcomes, this study aims to offer evidence that can guide providers in their recommendations for healthy eating options to patients.

Complementary Nutritional Improvements of Cereal-Based Products to Reduce Postprandial Glycemic Response

High glycemic response (GR) is part of cardiometabolic risk factors. Dietary polyphenols, starch digestibility, and dietary fibers could play a role in modulating GR. We formulated cereal products with high dietary fibers, polyphenols, and slowly digestible starch (SDS) contents to test their impact on the glycemic index (GI) and insulin index (II). Twelve healthy subjects were randomized in a crossover-controlled study to measure the GI and II of four biscuits according to ISO-26642(2010). Two types of biscuits were enriched with dietary fibers and polyphenols and high in SDS, and two similar control biscuits with low levels of these compounds were compared. The subjects consumed 50 g of available carbohydrates from the biscuits or from a glucose solution (reference). Glycemic and insulinemic responses were monitored for 2 h after the start of the consumption. The two enriched biscuits led to low GI and II (GI: 46 ± 5 SEM and 43 ± 4 SEM and II: 54 ± 5 SEM and 45 ± 3 SEM) when controls had moderate GI and II (GI: 57 ± 5 SEM and 58 ± 5 SEM and II: 61 ± 4 SEM and 61 ± 4 SEM). A significant difference of 11 and 15 units between the GI of enriched and control products was obtained. These differences may be explained by the polyphenol contents and high SDS levels in enriched products as well as potentially the dietary fiber content. This study provides new proposals of food formulations to induce beneficial health effects which need to be confirmed in a longer-term study in the context of the SINFONI consortium.

The potential of dietary fiber in building immunity against gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders

The numerous health benefits of dietary fibers (DFs) justify their inclusion in human diets and biomedical products. Given the short- and long-term human impacts of the COVID-19 virus on human health, the potential of DFs in building immunity against gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders is currently receiving high attention. This paper reviews the physicochemical properties of DFs, together with their immune functions and effects on the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system mainly based on research in the last ten years. Possible modes of action of DFs in promoting health, especially building immunity, are explored. We seek to highlight the importance of understanding the exact physical and chemical characteristics and molecular behaviors of DFs in providing specific immune function. This review provides a perspective beyond the existing recognition of DFs' positive effects on human health, and offers a theoretical framework for the development of special DFs components and their application in functional foods and other therapeutic products against gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. DFs enhance immunity from gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases to promote host health.

Effects of Functional and Nutraceutical Foods in the Context of the Mediterranean Diet in Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Several studies report that breast cancer survivors (BCS) tend to have a poor diet, as fruit, vegetable, and legume consumption is often reduced, resulting in a decreased intake of nutraceuticals. Moreover, weight gain has been commonly described among BCS during treatment, increasing recurrence rate and mortality. Improving lifestyle and nutrition after the diagnosis of BC may have important benefits on patients' general health and on specific clinical outcomes. The Mediterranean diet (MD), known for its multiple beneficial effects on health, can be considered a nutritional pool comprising several nutraceuticals: bioactive compounds and foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Recent scientific advances have led to the identification of nutraceuticals that could amplify the benefits of the MD and favorably influence gene expression in these patients. Nutraceuticals could have beneficial effects in the postdiagnostic phase of BC, including helping to mitigate the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Moreover, the MD could be a valid and easy-to-follow option for managing excess weight. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the recent scientific literature on the possible beneficial effects of consuming functional and nutraceutical foods in the framework of MD in BCS.

Insights into Recent Updates on Factors and Technologies That Modulate the Glycemic Index of Rice and Its Products

Rice is a staple food and energy source for half the world's population. Due to its quick digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, rice is typically regarded as having a high or medium-high glycemic index (GI); however, this can vary depending on the variety, nutrient compositions, processing, and accompanying factors. This report included a table of the glycemic index for rice and rice products in different countries, which could give an overview and fundamental information on the recent GI of different rice varieties. In addition, latest updates about the mechanism effects of rice nutritional profiles and processing techniques on GI were also provided and discussed. The influence of state-of-the-art GI regulation methods was also evaluated. Furthermore, the effectiveness and efficiency of applied technologies were also given. Furthermore, this review offered some aspects about the potential nutraceutical application of rice that food scientists, producers, or consumers might consider. Diverse types of rice are grown under various conditions that could affect the GI of the product. The instinct nutrients in rice could show different effects on the digestion rate of its product. It also revealed that the rice product's digestibility is process-dependent. The postprandial glucose response of the rice products could be changed by modifying processing techniques, which might produce the new less-digestive compound or the inhibition factor in the starch hydrolysis process. Because of the significant importance of rice, this paper also concluded the challenges, as well as some important aspects for future research.

A type 2 immune circuit in the stomach controls mammalian adaptation to dietary chitin

Dietary fiber improves metabolic health, but host-encoded mechanisms for digesting fibrous polysaccharides are unclear. In this work, we describe a mammalian adaptation to dietary chitin that is coordinated by gastric innate immune activation and acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase). Chitin consumption causes gastric distension and cytokine production by stomach tuft cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in mice, which drives the expansion of AMCase-expressing zymogenic chief cells that facilitate chitin digestion. Although chitin influences gut microbial composition, ILC2-mediated tissue adaptation and gastrointestinal responses are preserved in germ-free mice. In the absence of AMCase, sustained chitin intake leads to heightened basal type 2 immunity, reduced adiposity, and resistance to obesity. These data define an endogenous metabolic circuit that enables nutrient extraction from an insoluble dietary constituent by enhancing digestive function.

Diabetes risk reduction diet and ovarian cancer risk: an Italian case-control study

PURPOSE

To investigate the relation between a diabetes risk reduction diet (DRRD) and ovarian cancer.

METHODS

We used data from a multicentric case-control study conducted in Italy, including 1031 incident ovarian cancer cases and 2411 controls admitted to hospital centres for acute non-malignant disease. Subjects' diet prior to hospital admission was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to the DRRD was measured using a score based on 8 dietary components, giving higher scores for greater intakes of cereal fiber, coffee, fruit, nuts, higher polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio, lower glycemic index of diet, and lower intakes of red/processed meat, and sweetened beverages/and fruit juices. Higher scores indicated greater adherence to the DRRD. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to calculate the odds ratios (OR) of ovarian cancer and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for approximate quartiles of the DRRD score.

RESULTS

The DRRD score was inversely related to ovarian cancer, with an OR of 0.76 (95%CI: 0.60-0.95) for the highest versus the lowest quartile of the score (p for trend = 0.022). The exclusion of women with diabetes did not change the results (OR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.59-0.95). Inverse associations were observed in strata of age, education, parity, menopausal status, and family history of ovarian/breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

Higher adherence to a diet aimed at reducing the risk of diabetes was inversely associated with ovarian cancer. Further evidence from prospective investigations will be useful to support our findings.

Dietary carbohydrate quality index (CQI), cardio-metabolic risk factors and insulin resistance among adults with obesity

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), as a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors, is a global public health concern due to its increasing prevalence. Considering the previous evidence of the association between carbohydrate quality and cardiometabolic risk factors, our study was aimed to evaluate any possible association between carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and cardiometabolic risk factors among obese adults.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 336 apparently healthy individuals with obesity were participated. Dietary intake was assessed by a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), including 168 food items validated for the Iranian population. CQI was calculated with three components of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates ratio, dietary fiber intake, and dietary glycemic index (GI). Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometer and enzymatic methods were used to evaluate serum lipid, glucose, and insulin concentrations.

RESULTS

Subjects in the third quartile of CQI had significantly lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.03) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0.01). Participants in the higher quartiles of CQI had more intake of energy, carbohydrates, fat, saturated fatty acid (SFA), and mono-saturated fatty acid (MUFA) (P < 0.05). Moreover, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was decreased in the second quartile of CQI [odds ratio (OR) = 0.146, P = 0.01) after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), sex, physical activity, socioeconomic status (SES) and energy intake.

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, a higher quality of dietary carbohydrates, determined by CQI, could be associated with a lower risk of hypertension.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effect on the Weight of a Medical Device with Polyglucosamine L112 in a Group of Overweight and Obese Subjects

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions and safe treatments are needed to heal these diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to examine the activity of a medical device based on polyglucosamine polymers (PG) on body weight (BW) reduction, insulin resistance, and the serum levels of fat-soluble vitamins and glucosamine.

METHODS

A double-blind placebo-controlled interventional study comparing PG and a placebo (PL) was conducted. One hundred and fifty overweight or obese cases were treated, divided into two groups for a period of 90 days at the dosage of 3 g/day.

RESULTS

One hundred and nineteen cases (58 with PG and 61 with PL, respectively) concluded the treatment. PG was more effective than the PL on the reduction of BW and insulin resistance. No modification of fat-soluble vitamins (Vit A, E, D3, K1) and glucosamine levels was shown. Total cholesterol levels were significantly more reduced in the PG group compared to the PL group as it was for subjects with a BW decrease of >5%.

CONCLUSIONS

PG acts as a safe medical device, is not absorbed, and binds lipids in the upper gastrointestinal tract, reducing their availability, with a significant activity on the reduction of BW, insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels without the modification of fat-soluble vitamins.

Interventions to Address Cardiovascular Risk in Obese Patients: Many Hands Make Light Work

Obesity is a growing public health epidemic worldwide and is implicated in slowing improved life expectancy and increasing cardiovascular (CV) risk; indeed, several obesity-related mechanisms drive structural, functional, humoral, and hemodynamic heart alterations. On the other hand, obesity may indirectly cause CV disease, mediated through different obesity-associated comorbidities. Diet and physical activity are key points in preventing CV disease and reducing CV risk; however, these strategies alone are not always sufficient, so other approaches, such as pharmacological treatments and bariatric surgery, must support them. Moreover, these strategies are associated with improved CV risk factors and effectively reduce the incidence of death and CV events such as myocardial infarction and stroke; consequently, an individualized care plan with a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. More precisely, this review explores several interventions (diet, physical activity, pharmacological and surgical treatments) to address CV risk in obese patients and emphasizes the importance of adherence to treatments.

The True Price of External Health Effects from Food Consumption

Although global food consumption costs more in terms of impact on human life than money is spent on it, health costs have not been consistently quantified or included in food prices to date. In this paper, a method to determine the external health costs of nutrition and dietetics is developed by employing the cost-of-illness (COI) and true cost accounting (TCA) approaches. This is done exemplarily for the reference country Germany. The results show that 601.50 € per capita and 50.38 billion € in total external health costs are incurred annually due to nutrition. Overall, most costs are accrued through excessive meat consumption (32.56% of costs), deficient whole grain intake (15.42% of costs), and insufficient uptake of legumes (10.19% of costs). Comparing the external health costs with the external environmental costs in Germany, it can be seen that of the total annual costs of around 153.86 billion €, 67.26% originate from environmental impacts and 32.74% from impacts on human life. In order to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and to increase family as well as public health, there is a need to internalise these external costs into actual food prices.

Variation, during Shelf Life, of Functional Properties of Biscuits Enriched with Fibers Extracted from Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.)

To boost revaluation of industrial by-products of artichoke, this research tries to determine the stability throughout storage of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity in biscuits enriched with fiber-rich powders extracted from b y-products of artichokes (FRPA). To determine the most stable extraction method, biscuits were formulated with FRPA extracted by two different environmentally friendly extraction solvents: water (W) and a solution of 1% CaCl2∙5H2O (CA) and compared with biscuits made with pea fiber (P) and control biscuits (B) without fiber added. Initially and during storage, the biscuits enriched with FRPA (W, CA) showed a higher content of bioavailable polyphenols and antioxidant activity compared to the control biscuits (B) and the reference fiber (P, pea fiber). In conclusion, FRPA are an excellent source of bioavailable fiber with antioxidant activity, but especially the FRPA extracted with 1% CaCl2∙5H2O (CA), and they could present a good alternative to the use of pea fiber.

Ultraprocessed Foods and Obesity Risk: A Critical Review of Reported Mechanisms

Epidemiologic evidence supports a positive association between ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption and body mass index. This has led to recommendations to avoid UPFs despite very limited evidence establishing causality. Many mechanisms have been proposed, and this review critically aimed to evaluate selected possibilities for specificity, clarity, and consistency related to food choice (i.e., low cost, shelf-life, food packaging, hyperpalatability, and stimulation of hunger/suppression of fullness); food composition (i.e., macronutrients, food texture, added sugar, fat and salt, energy density, low-calorie sweeteners, and additives); and digestive processes (i.e., oral processing/eating rate, gastric emptying time, gastrointestinal transit time, and microbiome). For some purported mechanisms (e.g., fiber content, texture, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit time), data directly contrasting the effects of UPF and non-UPF intake on the indices of appetite, food intake, and adiposity are available and do not support a unique contribution of UPFs. In other instances, data are not available (e.g., microbiome and food additives) or are insufficient (e.g., packaging, food cost, shelf-life, macronutrient intake, and appetite stimulation) to judge the benefits versus the risks of UPF avoidance. There are yet other evoked mechanisms in which the preponderance of evidence indicates ingredients in UPFs actually moderate body weight (e.g., low-calorie sweetener use for weight management; beverage consumption as it dilutes energy density; and higher fat content because it reduces glycemic responses). Because avoidance of UPFs holds potential adverse effects (e.g., reduced diet quality, increased risk of food poisoning, and food wastage), it is imprudent to make recommendations regarding their role in diets before causality and plausible mechanisms have been verified.

Effects of Four Different Dietary Fibre Supplements on Weight Loss and Lipid and Glucose Serum Profiles during Energy Restriction in Patients with Traits of Metabolic Syndrome: A Comparative, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Obesity and its associated complications require various lifestyle changes and treatment options. Dietary supplements are considered an attractive alternative to traditional therapy, mainly because they are accessible to the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the additive effects of a combination of energy restriction (ER) and four dietary supplements on changes in the anthropometric and biochemical parameters in 100 overweight or obese participants who were randomly assigned one of the dietary fibre supplements containing different dietary fibres or a placebo for 8 weeks. The results confirmed that fibre supplements plus ER significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and visceral fat and ameliorated the lipid profile and inflammation at 4 and 8 weeks after the start of the study, while in the placebo group, significant differences in some parameters were observed only after 8 weeks of ER. A fibre supplement containing glucomannan, inulin, psyllium, and apple fibre was the most effective at reducing the BMI, body weight, and CRP (p = 0.018 for BMI and body weight and p = 0.034 for CRP compared to placebo at the end of the intervention). Overall, the results suggest that dietary fibre supplements in combination with ER may have additional effects on weight loss and the metabolic profile. Therefore, taking dietary fibre supplements may be a feasible approach to improve weight and metabolic health in obese and overweight individuals.

Effects of different dietary patterns during pregnancy on birth outcomes and glucose parameters in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Dietary interventions are the cornerstone of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary patterns during pregnancy on birth outcomes and glucose parameters in women with GDM.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and The CoChrane Library were searched from the time of database creation to November 30, 2021, along with manual searches. Data analyses were performed using Stata 15.4 software.

RESULTS

From 2461 studies, 27 RCTs involving 1923 women were eligible. The pooled results showed that dietary pattern interventions during pregnancy reduced birth weight (WMD: -0.14 kg; 95% CI: -0.24, -0.00), hemoglobin A_1 C (HbA_1 C) (WMD: -0.19, 95% CI: -0.34, -0.05), and macrosomia incidence (RR 0.65 [95% CI 0.48, 0.88]). Low glycemic index (GI) diet reduced macrosomia incidence (RR 0.31 [95% CI 0.11, 0.93]) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels (WMD: -0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.14, -0.05); a low carbohydrate (CHO) diet reduced large for gestational age (LGA) incidence (RR 0.33 [95% CI 0.13, 0.82]) and HbA_1 C (WMD: -0.32; 95% CI: -0.51, -0.14); dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet reduced birth weight (WMD:-0.59 kg; 95% CI: -0.64, -0.55), insulin use (RR 0.31 [95% CI 0.18, 0.56), macrosomia incidence (RR 0.12 [95% CI 0.03, 0.50]), and cesarean sections incidence (RR 0.57 [95% CI 0.40, 0.82]).

CONCLUSION

Dietary patterns during pregnancy can improve certain birth outcomes and glycemic parameters. Due to limitations in the quality and number of included studies, the above findings still need to be validated by further randomized controlled trials with high quality and large samples.

Formulation of Ready-to-Eat Soup for the Elderly: Nutritional Composition and Storage Stability Study

Lack of appetite is a common problem in elderly people which could lead to the risk of malnutrition. Soup-based product formulation and supplementation for the elderly is an interesting and convenient way to maintain nutritional status. Hence, this study aims to develop ready-to-eat (RTE) soup and instant soup powder using common agricultural commodities. The results indicated that among all formulations, the F7 formula comprised brown rice (15 g), pumpkin (32.5 g), sweetcorn (12.5 g), red tilapia (17.5 g), rice bran oil (1.0 g), and water (21.5 g) with energy ratio (C:P:F) of 58:23:20 receiving the highest sensory scores. The selected formulation (F7) was also transformed into instant powder and both RTE soup and instant powder were evaluated for nutritional composition and storage stabilities at 5 °C and 25 °C, respectively. The nutritional composition analyses indicate that 100 g of RTE soup consists of 13.8 g carbohydrates, 4.9 g proteins, 1.8 g fats, and 1.5 g dietary fibers; the soup is also a rich source of antioxidants and β-carotene. Storage studies suggested that the content of β-carotene and antioxidant activity of both (ready-to-eat and instant powder) types of soup decreased with increasing storage time, while a slight increase in yeast and mold count (<50 cfu/g) was noted. Most importantly, no pathogenic bacteria were detected in ready-to-eat and instant soup during the storage study of 6 weeks at 5 °C and 6 months at 25 °C, respectively. In terms of the high nutritional composition and functional value of the product, 4 weeks of storage at 5 °C and 4 months of storage at room temperature were suggested for ready-to-eat and instant powder soup product, respectively.

Multi-omics approaches for precision obesity management : Potentials and limitations of omics in precision prevention, treatment and risk reduction of obesity

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a multifactorial chronic disease that cannot be addressed by simply promoting better diets and more physical activity. To date, not a single country has successfully been able to curb the accumulating burden of obesity. One explanation for the lack of progress is that lifestyle intervention programs are traditionally implemented without a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's diagnostic biomarkers. Evidence from genome-wide association studies highlight the importance of genetic and epigenetic factors in the development of obesity and how they in turn affect the transcriptome, metabolites, microbiomes, and proteomes.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the different types of omics data: genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and illustrate how a multi-omics approach can be fundamental for the implementation of precision obesity management.

RESULTS

The different types of omics designs are grouped into two categories, the genotype approach and the phenotype approach. When applied to obesity prevention and management, each omics type could potentially help to detect specific biomarkers in people with risk profiles and guide healthcare professionals and decision makers in developing individualized treatment plans according to the needs of the individual before the onset of obesity.

CONCLUSION

Integrating multi-omics approaches will enable a paradigm shift from the one size fits all approach towards precision obesity management, i.e. (1) precision prevention of the onset of obesity, (2) precision medicine and tailored treatment of obesity, and (3) precision risk reduction and prevention of secondary diseases related to obesity.

Important food sources of fructose-containing sugars and adiposity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled feeding trials

BACKGROUND

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) providing excess energy increase adiposity. The effect of other food sources of sugars at different energy control levels is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of food sources of fructose-containing sugars by energy control on adiposity.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched through April 2022 for controlled trials ≥2 wk. We prespecified 4 trial designs by energy control: substitution (energy-matched replacement of sugars), addition (energy from sugars added), subtraction (energy from sugars subtracted), and ad libitum (energy from sugars freely replaced). Independent authors extracted data. The primary outcome was body weight. Secondary outcomes included other adiposity measures. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

We included 169 trials (255 trial comparisons, n = 10,357) assessing 14 food sources at 4 energy control levels over a median 12 wk. Total fructose-containing sugars increased body weight (MD: 0.28 kg; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.50 kg; P_MD = 0.011) in addition trials and decreased body weight (MD: -0.96 kg; 95% CI: -1.78, -0.14 kg; P_MD = 0.022) in subtraction trials with no effect in substitution or ad libitum trials. There was interaction/influence by food sources on body weight: substitution trials [fruits decreased; added nutritive sweeteners and mixed sources (with SSBs) increased]; addition trials [dried fruits, honey, fruits (≤10%E), and 100% fruit juice (≤10%E) decreased; SSBs, fruit drink, and mixed sources (with SSBs) increased]; subtraction trials [removal of mixed sources (with SSBs) decreased]; and ad libitum trials [mixed sources (with/without SSBs) increased]. GRADE scores were generally moderate. Results were similar across secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Energy control and food sources mediate the effect of fructose-containing sugars on adiposity. The evidence provides a good indication that excess energy from sugars (particularly SSBs at high doses ≥20%E or 100 g/d) increase adiposity, whereas their removal decrease adiposity. Most other food sources had no effect, with some showing decreases (particularly fruits at lower doses ≤10%E or 50 g/d). This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02558920 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02558920).

The separate effects of whole oats and isolated beta-glucan on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

It is well known that dietary fiber positively impacts the microbiome and health as a whole. However, the health effects of β-glucan, a dietary fiber extracted from oats, have been questioned when administered alone or incorporated into other foods. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of oats or β-glucan supplements on the lipid profile.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials with parallel-arm or crossover blinded interventions at least two weeks in duration, for hyperlipidemic or non-hyperlipidemic men and women ≥18 years of age were selected. Only single (participants blinded) or double-blinded studies that compared oat or isolated β-glucan with a placebo/control group were considered for this review. The databases EMBASE, PubMed, Web of science and CINHAL were searched, from the earliest indexed year available online to the end of January 2022. Random-effects models were used to combine the estimated effects extracted from individual studies, and data were summarized as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

RESULTS

A total of 811 articles were screened for eligibility, and relevant data were extracted from 28 studies, totaling 1494 subjects. Oat interventions TC (-0.61, 95%CI: -0.84;-0.39, p < 0.00001, and -0.70, 95%CI: -1.07;-0.34, p = 0.0002, respectively) and LDL (-0.51, 95%CI: -0.71;-0.31, p < 0.00001, and -0.38, 95%CI: -0.60;-0.15, p = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, isolated β-glucan interventions from parallel-arm studies decreased TC (-0.73, 95%CI: -1.01;-0.45, p < 0.00001), LDL (-0.58, 95%CI: -0.85;-0.32, p < 0.0001) and triglycerides (-0.30, 95%CI: -0.49;-0.12, p = 0.001). HDL was not altered by either oat or isolated β-glucan (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overall, this review showed that both oat and isolated β-glucan interventions improved lipid profiles. Furthermore, the ingestion of oats or isolated β-glucan supplements are effective tools to combat dyslipidemia and should be considered in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and bone health: data from a population-based sample of men

We aimed to investigate the association between serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and bone health in men. LBP was associated with lower bone density at the mid-forearm and the quantitative heel ultrasound measure, broadband ultrasound attenuation, for heavier participants. Data do not support clear associations between serum LBP and bone health.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and potential downstream effects on skeletal density, quality, and turnover in a population-based sample of men.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study utilised data from 1149 men (aged 20-96 year) enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Blood samples were obtained and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), bone resorption marker, C-telopeptide (CTx), and formation marker, type 1 procollagen amino-terminal-propeptide (P1NP), were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Stiffness Index (SI), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and speed of sound (SOS) were derived from quantitative heel ultrasound (QUS). Linear regression models were developed to test associations between log-transformed LBP (ln-LBP), BMD, QUS, and bone turnover, after adjusting for potential covariates.

RESULTS

Serum LBP ranged from 1.07-208.53 ng/mL (median 16.53 ng/mL). Those with higher levels were older, less mobile, and had lower BMD at the mid-forearm, otherwise, groups were similar. Before and after adjustment for age, ln-LBP was associated with lower BMD at the spine, total body, and mid-forearm. Further adjustment for weight attenuated associations at the spine and total body, yet the relationship at the mid-forearm was sustained (β - 0.014 ± 0.004, p = 0.001). SOS and SI were not associated with ln-LBP either before or after adjustment for age; however, weight was identified as an effect modifier in the relationship between ln-LBP and BUA. An association was observed for those weighing greater than 82.7 kg (β 3.366 ± 0.929, p < 0.001), after adjustment for potential covariates. Neither bone turnover marker was associated with ln-LBP.

CONCLUSION

Our data do not support a clear association between serum LBP and measures of bone health in this sample of men.

Effect of Tart Cherry Juice Consumption on Body Composition and Anthropometric Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The present systematic review and meta-analysis were accomplished to understand the effects of tart cherry juice consumption on body composition and anthropometric measures. Five databases were searched using relevant keywords from inception to January 2022. All clinical trials investigating the effect of tart cherry juice consumption on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percentage body fat (PBF) were included. Out of 441 citations, 6 trials that enrolled 126 subjects were included. Tart cherry juice consumption significantly did not reduce BW (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.4 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.25 to 2.46; p = 0.789; GRADE = low), BMI (WMD, -0.07 kg/m²; 95% CI, -0.89 to 0.74; p = 0.857; GRADE = low), FM (WMD, 0.21 kg; 95% CI, -1.83 to 2.25; p = 0.837; GRADE = low), FFM (WMD, -0.12 kg; 95% CI, -2.47 to 2.27; p = 0.919; GRADE = low), WC (WMD, 1.69 cm; 95% CI, -1.88 to 5.27; p = 0.353; GRADE = low), and PBF (WMD, 0.18%; 95% CI, -1.81 to -2.17; p = 0.858; GRADE = low). Overall, these data suggest that tart cherry juice consumption has no significant effect on BW, BMI, FM, FFM, WC, and PBF.

Effects of Interaction between SLC35F3 and Carbohydrate Intake on the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Middle-Aged Adults

Solute carrier family 35 member F3 (SLC35F3) mediates intracellular thiamine transport, which is crucial for carbohydrate metabolism as thiamine is required for key pathways such as glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the interaction between SLC35F3 and dietary carbohydrate intake on the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The study included 3923 Korean adults over 40 years of age from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. The association between dietary carbohydrate intake, SLC35F3 rs10910387 genotypes, and MetS incidence was studied using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Over an average of 8.5 years of follow-ups, we documented 1471 MetS cases. MetS incidence was 1.88 times greater in men with the TT genotype and the highest carbohydrate intake than in those with the CC genotype and lowest carbohydrate intake (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-3.41). MetS incidence were 2.22 and 2.53 times higher in women with the TT genotype and carbohydrate intake tertile 2 and 3, respectively, than those with the CC genotype and carbohydrate intake tertile 1 (HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.12-4.42; HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.38-4.61). In summary, we report a novel interaction between SLC35F3 rs10910387 genotypes and dietary carbohydrate intake on MetS in Koreans.

Gene-diet interaction in response to defatted flaxseed flour supplementation on obesity-related traits in Chinese overweight and obese adults: A randomized controlled trial

Effects of dietary fiber on obesity-related traits in previous studies were inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to explore whether variants in genes related to satiety and appetite can modulate the effect of dietary fiber on obesity-related traits. Fifty-one overweight or obese adults were randomly allocated to two groups to consume control biscuits (n = 24) or biscuits containing defatted flaxseed flour (n = 27) at breakfast for 8 wk. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to satiety and appetite were genotyped: rs11076023 on the FTO gene, rs16147 on the NPY gene, rs155971 on the PCSK1 gene, and rs6265 on the BDNF gene. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the gene-diet interaction between obesity-related traits. Compared with control biscuits, defatted flaxseed-flour biscuits significantly reduced body weight (P = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.001) in A-allele carriers (AA + AT) of rs11076023 on the FTO gene but not in non-carriers (TT) (P for the interaction = 0.005 and 0.006) and decreased fasting serum glucose in participants with CC genotype (P = 0.019) but had less effect in T-allele carriers (TT + TC) (P = 0.021) of rs16147 on the NPY gene (P for the interaction = 0.002). Compared with the control biscuits, defatted flaxseed flour significantly reduced body weight (P < 0.001) in T-allele carriers (TT + TC) of rs155971 on the PCSK1 gene but not in non-carriers (CC) (P for the interaction = 0.041) and reduced body weight (P = 0.001) and BMI (P < 0.001) in A-allele carriers (AA + AG) of rs6265 on the BDNF gene but not non-carriers (GG) (P for the interaction = 0.017 and 0.018). Variants of genes related to satiety and appetite could modulate the effect of defatted flaxseed flour on obesity-related traits.

Association of maternal body composition and diet on breast milk hormones and neonatal growth during the first month of lactation

INTRODUCTION

Preterm birth is associated with altered growth patterns and an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, with breast milk (BM) being a counteracting factor. Preterm infants also show alterations in adipokines and gut hormones influencing appetite and metabolism. Since these hormones are present in BM, it is possible that their levels may equilibrate deficiencies improving infant growth. We aimed to assess 1) the BM levels of ghrelin, resistin, leptin, insulin, peptide YY, and the gastrointestinal peptide in women with preterm and term labor; 2) the relationship between BM hormones and neonatal growth; and 3) the influence of maternal body composition and diet on these BM hormones.

METHODS

BM from 48 women (30 term and 18 preterm labor) was collected at days 7, 14, and 28 of lactation. Maternal body composition was evaluated by bioimpedance, and neonate anthropometric parameters were collected from medical records. The maternal dietary pattern was assessed by a 72-h dietary recall at days 7 and 28 of lactation. BM hormones were analyzed by the U-Plex Ultra-sensitive method. Data were analyzed using linear regression models. BM from women with preterm labor had lower ghrelin levels, with the other hormones being significantly higher compared to women with term delivery.

RESULTS

In premature infants, growth was positively associated with BM ghrelin, while, in term infants, it was positively associated with insulin and negatively with peptide YY. In the first week of lactation, women with preterm labor had higher body fat compared to women with term labor. In this group, ghrelin levels were positively associated with maternal body fat and with fiber and protein intake. In women with term labor, no associations between anthropometric parameters and BM hormones were found, and fiber intake was negatively associated with peptide YY.

DISCUSSION

Preterm labor is a factor influencing the levels of BM adipokines and gut hormones, with BM ghrelin being a relevant hormone for premature infant growth. Since ghrelin is lower in BM from women with preterm labor and the levels are associated with maternal fat storage and some dietary components, our data support the importance to monitor diet and body composition in women who gave birth prematurely to improve the BM hormonal status.

Dietary Intake of 91 Individual Polyphenols and 5-Year Body Weight Change in the EPIC-PANACEA Cohort

Polyphenols are bioactive compounds from plants with antioxidant properties that may have a protective role against body weight gain, with adipose tissue and systemic oxidative stress as potential targets. We aimed to investigate the dietary intake of individual polyphenols and their association with 5-year body weight change in a sub-cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). This study included 349,165 adult participants from nine European countries. Polyphenol intake was estimated through country-specific validated dietary questionnaires and the Phenol-Explorer database. Body weight was obtained at recruitment and after a mean follow-up time of 5 years. Associations were estimated using multilevel mixed linear regression models. From 91 polyphenols included, the majority (n = 67) were inversely associated with 5-year body weight change after FDR-correction (q < 0.05). The greatest inverse associations were observed for quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside (change in weight for doubling in intake: −0.071 (95% CI: −0.085; −0.056) kg/5 years). Only 13 polyphenols showed positive associations with body weight gain, mainly from the subclass hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) with coffee as the main dietary source, such as 4-caffeoylquinic acid (0.029 (95% CI: 0.021; 0.038) kg/5 years). Individual polyphenols with fruit, tea, cocoa and whole grain cereals as the main dietary sources may contribute to body weight maintenance in adults. Individual HCAs may have different roles in body weight change depending on their dietary source.

The combination of isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO)-based dietary fiber and hypocaloric high-protein diet could improve the anthropometric profile and fasting plasma glucose of healthy adults: A repeated single-arm clinical trial

Background and aims

Meals with high protein and fiber could reduce weight and improve diabetes risk factors. Isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO), a form of dietary fiber, could induce the afferent signal that causes appetite suppression. However, the direct effect of fiber supplementation in the form of IMO combined with a high-protein diet (HPF) on those parameters is still unknown. This study aims to investigate the effect of HPF on anthropometric parameters and blood glucose regulation of healthy subjects. 
.

Methods

Thirteen healthy subjects were given a hypocaloric high protein diet (HPD) mixed with their prepared meals for two weeks. Followed by the HPF diet for another two weeks. Their anthropometric parameters, such as body composition (total body weight, body fat percentage, and fat-free mass), BMI and waist circumference, and fasting plasma glucose, were measured.

Results

Compared to pre-intervention, HPF could significantly (p ≤ 0.004) reduce the anthropometric parameters and fasting plasma glucose. Compared to HPD, HPF could significantly (p ≤ 0.005) reduce more total body weight, body fat percentage, and BMI. In addition, HPF could induce more satiety than HPD (higher VAS score).

Conclusion

HPF could improve the subject's anthropometric parameters which is obviously beneficial in preventing the risk of developing diabetes.

The relationship between low-carbohydrate diet score, dietary insulin index and load with obesity in healthy adults

PURPOSE

Carbohydrate intake and insulinemic potential of diet are suggested to be correlated with the development of different chronic diseases. Considering the limited research on obesity, this study aimed to investigate the association of dietary insulin index (DII), dietary insulin load (DIL), and low-carbohydrate diet score (LCDS) with body weight and obesity in healthy adults.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, DII, DIL, and LCDS were calculated using relevant formulas based on dietary intakes obtained by a valid 168-item food frequency questionnaire, in 393 otherwise healthy adults of either normal-weight, overweight, or obese.

RESULTS

Individuals in the highest tertile of DIL and DII had respectively 73% (OR: 0.27, 95% CI 0.08-0.94, p = 0.049) and 50% (OR: 0.5, 95% CI 0.26-0.96, p = 0.038) lower odds of being overweight compared to the lowest tertile, after adjusting the effects of age, sex, and dietary energy intake. Participants in the highest tertile of DIL had 92% greater odds of being obese compared to the lowest tertile, but this association did not remain significant after adjusting the effect of energy intake. Individuals in the highest tertile of LCDS had about 2 times odds of being overweight compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR: 2.04, 95% CI 1.04-4.01, p = 0.049). There was no relationship between being obese and tertiles of LCDS.

CONCLUSION

Higher dietary carbohydrate intake and insulinemic potential of diet could not be considered independent dietary risk factors for overweight or obesity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: evidence obtained from an observational study.

Novel weight loss diet attenuates dietary-induced obesity in mice and might correlate with altered gut microbiota and metabolite profiles

Although many dietary patterns have been studied for weight loss, various limitations still exist. Therefore, we designed a novel weight loss diet (NWLD) with carbohydrate, protein, and fat (energy) contents of 45%, 20%, and 35%, respectively. The saturated fatty acids: monounsaturated fatty acids:polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio was 1:2:1, and the insoluble: soluble dietary fiber ratio was 2:1. We aimed to observe the effect of NWLD on weight loss and understand the underlying metabolic mechanisms. Twenty-nine male C57BL/6J mice were selected. Nine mice were fed ordinary feed in a blank control group, and the rest were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to establish obese mouse models. Twelve weeks later, obesity models were established, and 10 obese mice were switched to NWLD feeding. Six weeks after switching the diet, the serum, intestinal feces, and kidneys of mice were collected. Obesity-related indicators, gut microbial composition, and fecal metabolite profiles of all the mice were determined, and the correlations among these indicators were analyzed. Kidney function indicators were also assessed. The results showed that the NWLD attenuated HFD-induced weight gain, serum triglycerides (TG), and inflammatory factors, optimized the body composition without kidney function impairment. Amino acid metabolism pathways and metabolites might play key roles in this process. The findings of this research imply that NWLD could be an effective nutritional remedy for managing dietary-induced obesity.

Association Between Dietary Fiber and Female Fertility: a NHANES-Based Study

This study aimed to evaluate whether dietary fiber content and density were associated with female infertility in the USA. Data on current dietary fiber and current or past female infertility were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) in 2013-2014, 2015-2016, and 2017-2018 cycles. Infertility was identified with the question "Have you ever tried a year to become pregnant: ever attempted to become pregnant over a period of at least a year without becoming pregnant?" The association between dietary fiber and female infertility was analyzed by weighted multivariate logistic regression. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the body mass index (BMI) of women. False discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted P values (q values) < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Totally 2370 women were eligible for analysis. Dietary fiber content was negatively associated with female infertility [odds ratio (OR) = 0.643, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.480-0.861, P = 0.004, q = 0.020]. Dietary fiber density was not associated with the odds of female infertility (OR = 0.734, 95% CI = 0.573-0.941, P = 0.016, q = 0.079). Subgroup analysis exhibited that dietary fiber content was not associated with infertility in underweight and normal-weight (OR = 0.620, 95% CI = 0.332-1.157, P = 0.130, q = 0.467) and overweight (OR = 0.764, 95% CI = 0.523-1.117, P = 0.160, q = 0.553) women; dietary fiber content was inversely associated with infertility in obese women (OR = 0.610, 95% CI = 0.443-0.841, P = 0.003, q = 0.015). There were no significant associations between dietary fiber density and female infertility in underweight and normal-weight (OR = 0.673, 95% CI = 0.393-1.153, P = 0.146, q = 0.410), overweight (OR = 0.769, 95% CI = 0.534-1.107, P = 0.153, q = 0.523), and obese (OR = 0.753, 95% CI = 0.581-0.975, P = 0.032, q = 0.160) populations. In conclusion, a negative association was found between dietary fiber content and female infertility especially among obese women. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings and the causal relationship between dietary fiber, obesity, and female infertility.

Effects of the Mediterranean diet on the components of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, also as known as Syndrome X or Insulin Resistance Syndrome, is a complex health problem featuring visceral obesity (the main diagnostic criterion), insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure. Currently, this health condition has gained a momentum globally while raising concerns among health-related communities. The World Health Organization, American Heart Association and International Diabetes Federation have formulated diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome. Diet and nutrition can influence this syndrome: for example, the Western diet is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, whereas the Nordic and Mediterranean diets and the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension are potentially beneficial. The Mediterranean diet can affect the components of metabolic syndrome due to its high dietary fiber, omega 3 and 9 fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and bioactive substances, such as polyphenols. These nutrients and bioactive substances can combat obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The mechanisms by which they do so are generally related to oxidative stress, inflammation (the most common risk factors for metabolic syndrome) and gastrointestinal function. The literature also shows examples of positive effects of the Mediterranean diet on the metabolic syndrome. In this review of the literature, we shed light on the effects, mechanisms and dynamic relationship between the Mediterranean diet and metabolic syndrome.

Short-Term Effect of Additional Daily Dietary Fibre Intake on Appetite, Satiety, Gastrointestinal Comfort, Acceptability, and Feasibility

Background: There is evidence that high-fibre diets have significant health benefits, although the effect of increasing fibre on individuals’ appetite, satiety, and gastrointestinal comfort is not well established, nor is its acceptability and feasibility. Methods: This mixed-methods feasibility randomised control trial included 38 participants allocated to one of three conditions: FibreMAX (two daily servings of 25 g of BARLEYmax^®), FibreGRAD (two daily servings with the amount of fibre gradually increased), and Control (two daily servings totalling 25 g of placebo product). Participants completed a food diary at baseline. The Hunger and Fullness Questionnaire and questions regarding gastrointestinal response were completed at baseline and at the end of each week. Participants completed the acceptability of intervention measure and engaged in a semi-structured interview, following trial completion. Results: The qualitative data suggested that increased fibre influenced appetite and fullness perceptions. Baseline fibre consumption and the method of increased fibre increase did not influence our findings. The qualitative results also indicated that the fibre intake was perceived as beneficial to well-being; it influenced feelings of hunger and caused some minor acute gastrointestinal symptoms that dissipated after a short adaption period. Conclusion: This study suggests that increasing fibre intake through BARLEYmax^® is a safe intervention that is acceptable to participants.

Effect of Important Food Sources of Fructose-Containing Sugars on Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Feeding Trials

Background: Fructose-containing sugars as sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) may increase inflammatory biomarkers. Whether this effect is mediated by the food matrix at different levels of energy is unknown. To investigate the role of food source and energy, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials on the effect of different food sources of fructose-containing sugars on inflammatory markers at different levels of energy control. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through March 2022 for controlled feeding trials ≥ 7 days. Four trial designs were prespecified by energy control: substitution (energy matched replacement of sugars); addition (excess energy from sugars added to diets); subtraction (energy from sugars subtracted from diets); and ad libitum (energy from sugars freely replaced). The primary outcome was C-reactive protein (CRP). Secondary outcomes were tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias. GRADE assessed certainty of evidence. Results: We identified 64 controlled trials (91 trial comparisons, n = 4094) assessing 12 food sources (SSB; sweetened dairy; sweetened dairy alternative [soy]; 100% fruit juice; fruit; dried fruit; mixed fruit forms; sweetened cereal grains and bars; sweets and desserts; added nutritive [caloric] sweetener; mixed sources [with SSBs]; and mixed sources [without SSBs]) at 4 levels of energy control over a median 6-weeks in predominantly healthy mixed weight or overweight/obese adults. Total fructose-containing sugars decreased CRP in addition trials and had no effect in substitution, subtraction or ad libitum trials. No effect was observed on other outcomes at any level of energy control. There was evidence of interaction/influence by food source: substitution trials (sweetened dairy alternative (soy) and 100% fruit juice decreased, and mixed sources (with SSBs) increased CRP); and addition trials (fruit decreased CRP and TNF-α; sweets and desserts (dark chocolate) decreased IL-6). The certainty of evidence was moderate-to-low for the majority of analyses. Conclusions: Food source appears to mediate the effect of fructose-containing sugars on inflammatory markers over the short-to-medium term. The evidence provides good indication that mixed sources that contain SSBs increase CRP, while most other food sources have no effect with some sources (fruit, 100% fruit juice, sweetened soy beverage or dark chocolate) showing decreases, which may be dependent on energy control. Clinicaltrials.gov: (NCT02716870).

Diets enriched with finely ground wheat bran alter digesta passage rate and composition of the gut microbiome in sows

We investigated the effects of finely ground wheat bran on the nutrient digestibility, digesta passage rate, and gut microbiota structure in sows. A 3 × 3 Latin square design with 3 test periods and 3 experimental diets was used. Six non-pregnant sows (parity: 5 to 7) were randomly assigned to 3 experimental diets with 2 replicates per treatment in each period. Each period lasted 19 d (12 d for adaptation and 7 d for experiment). The experimental diets included (a) a basal corn and soybean meal diet (CON), (b) a basal diet with 20% coarse wheat bran (CWB; particle size: 605 μm), and (c) a basal diet with 20% fine wheat bran (FWB; particle size: 438 μm). The results demonstrated that the apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and energy were reduced (P < 0.05) in the FWB and CWB groups compared with those in the CON group. Viscosity of digesta increased (P < 0.001) in FWB-fed sows. The passage rate of digesta from the mouth to the ileum decreased (P < 0.001) in FWB-fed sows. Peptide YY (PYY) concentration increased (P = 0.01) in FWB-fed sows after 30 min of feeding. In the FWB group, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae at the family level increased (P < 0.05) in the ileal digesta. At the class level, the relative abundance of Clostridia in feces decreased (P < 0.05) in FWB-fed sows. FWB enhanced the concentration of butyrate in feces compared with CON and CWB (P = 0.04). These results suggest that dietary supplementation with finely ground wheat bran reduces the passage rate of digesta, increases the abundance of beneficial microorganisms, and elevates the concentration of short-chain fatty acids and PYY in sows. These findings indicate that the addition of finely-ground wheat bran to the diets of sows is more effective than using coarse wheat bran for improving their satiety and intestinal microbial composition.

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Nutrient digestibility and digesta characteristics between bran types were compared

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Finely-ground wheat bran increases digesta viscosity, reduces its passage rate and increases retention time in the total intestine

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Finely-ground wheat bran increases short-chain fatty acids and relative abundance of beneficial microorganisms

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Diets enriched in finely-ground wheat bran improve digestive physiology of sows

Non-starch polysaccharides in beer and brewing: A review of their occurrence and significance

It has become apparent that beer (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) contains appreciable amounts of non-starch polysaccharides, a broad subgroup of dietary fiber. It is worth noting that the occurrence of non-starch polysaccharides in alcoholic beer does not imply this should be consumed as a source of nutrition. But the popularity of nonalcoholic beer is growing, and the lessons learnt from non-starch polysaccharides in brewing can be largely translated to nonalcoholic beer. For context, we briefly review the origins of dietary fiber, its importance within the human diet and the significance of water-soluble dietary fiber in beverages. We review the relationship between non-starch polysaccharides and brewing, giving focus to the techniques used to quantify non-starch polysaccharides in beer, how they affect the physicochemical properties of beer and their influence on the brewing process. The content of non-starch polysaccharides in both regular and low/nonalcoholic beer ranges between 0.5 - 4.0 g/L and are predominantly composed of arabinoxylans and β-glucans. The process of malting, wort production and filtration significantly affect the soluble non-starch polysaccharide content in the final beer. Beer viscosity and turbidity are strongly associated with the content of non-starch polysaccharides.

Lignocellulose, dietary fibre, inulin and their potential application in food

In recent years, due to food insecurity, lignocellulose, dietary fibre as well as inulin have received wider attention owing to their abundance and being relatively low-cost indigestible polysaccharides. Since the recognition, acceptance of the consumption and utilization of these polysaccharides, as well as their attraction in science and industry has grown tremendously. There have been further researches carried out to ascertain the fact that people who consume or utilize these polysaccharides have low exposure to some fatal life-threatening illnesses. Rich sources of indigestible polysaccharides such as vegetables, cereals, fruits and nuts are beneficial to good health as consuming them reduce the occurrence of degenerating diseases such as colon cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. Despite these increasing facts depicting their advantages in the state of human health, their intake and utilization still fall below the acceptable limit and the knowledge of how they work in the human body are minimal with their explicit actions not easily shown. Hence, this review gives a better understanding of the significance of lignocellulose, dietary fibre and inulin, their functions, classifications, types and applications in the food industry, thereby exposing their various uses as these polycarbohydrates were considered a waste before now.

Improvement of Glycemic Control by a Functional Food Mixture Containing Maltodextrin, White Kidney Bean Extract, Mulberry Leaf Extract, and Niacin-Bound Chromium Complex in Obese Diabetic db/db Mice

Steady-fiber granule (SFG) is a mixture containing maltodextrin, white kidney bean extract, mulberry leaf extract, and niacin-bound chromium complex. These active ingredients have been shown to be associated with improving either hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of SFG in the regulation of blood glucose homeostasis under obese diabetic conditions. Accordingly, db/db mice (8 weeks old) were administered with SFG at doses of 1.025, 2.05, or 5.125 g/kg BW daily via oral gavage for 4 weeks. No body weight loss was observed after SFG supplementation at all three doses during the experimental period. Supplementation of SFG at 2.05 g/kg BW decreased fasting blood glucose, blood fructosamine, and HbA1c levels in db/db mice. Insulin sensitivity was also improved, as indicated by HOMA-IR assessment and oral glucose tolerance test, although the fasting insulin levels were no different in db/db mice with or without SFG supplementation. Meanwhile, the plasma levels of triglyceride were reduced by SFG at all three doses. These findings suggest that SFG improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in db/db mice and can be available as an option for functional foods to aid in management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in daily life.