Nutritionally recommended food for semi- to strict vegetarian diets based on large-scale nutrient composition data

The Role of Choline, Soy Isoflavones, and Probiotics as Adjuvant Treatments in the Prevention and Management of NAFLD in Postmenopausal Women

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition among postmenopausal women that can lead to severe liver dysfunction and increased mortality. In recent years, research has focused on identifying potential lifestyle dietary interventions that may prevent or treat NAFLD in this population. Due to the complex and multifactorial nature of NAFLD in postmenopausal women, the disease can present as different subtypes, with varying levels of clinical presentation and variable treatment responses. By recognizing the significant heterogeneity of NAFLD in postmenopausal women, it may be possible to identify specific subsets of individuals who may benefit from targeted nutritional interventions. The purpose of this review was to examine the current evidence supporting the role of three specific nutritional factors-choline, soy isoflavones, and probiotics-as potential nutritional adjuvants in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD in postmenopausal women. There is promising evidence supporting the potential benefits of these nutritional factors for NAFLD prevention and treatment, particularly in postmenopausal women, and further research is warranted to confirm their effectiveness in alleviating hepatic steatosis in this population.

Habitual low carbohydrate high fat diet compared with omnivorous, vegan, and vegetarian diets

Background

Dietary patterns which exclude whole food groups, such as vegetarian, vegan and low carbohydrate high fat diet (LCHF), are increasingly popular in general public. When carefully planned, all these diets have some known benefits for health, but concerns are also raised in particular for LCHF. The quality of LCHF diet which individuals follow in real life without supervision is not known.

Methods

One hundred thirty healthy individuals with stable body mass following LCHF, vegan, vegetarian and omnivorous diet for at least six months, were compared in a cross-sectional study. Diet was analyzed through 3-day food records and FFQ, anthropometric measurements were performed and serum metabolic biomarkers determined from fasting blood.

Results

Participants on LCHF diet had the intakes of micronutrients comparable to other groups, while the intakes of macronutrients differed in line with the definition of each diet. The intakes of saturated fats, cholesterol and animal proteins were significantly higher and the intakes of sugars and dietary fibers were lower compared to other groups. Healthy eating index 2015 in this group was the lowest. There were no differences in the levels of glucose, triacylglycerols and CRP among groups. Total and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in LCHF group, in particular in participants with higher ketogenic ratio. Fatty acids intakes and intakes of cholesterol, dietary fibers and animal proteins explained 40% of variance in total cholesterol level, with saturated fatty acids being the strongest positive predictor and monounsaturated fatty acids a negative predictor.

Conclusion

None of the self-advised diets provided all the necessary nutrients in optimal levels. Due to the detected increased levels of serum cholesterols, selection of healthy fat sources, higher intake of dietary fibers and partial replacing of animal sources with plant sources of foods should be recommended to the individuals selecting LCFH dietary pattern.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04347213.

Hepatic PEMT Expression Decreases with Increasing NAFLD Severity

Choline deficiency causes hepatic fat accumulation, and is associated with a higher risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and more advanced NAFLD-related hepatic fibrosis. Reduced expression of hepatic phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT), which catalyzes the production of phosphatidylcholine, causes steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice. In humans, common PEMT variants impair phosphatidylcholine synthesis, and are associated with NAFLD risk. We investigated hepatic PEMT expression in a large cohort of patients representing the spectrum of NAFLD, and examined the relationship between PEMT genetic variants and gene expression. Hepatic PEMT expression was reduced in NAFLD patients with inflammation and fibrosis (i.e., nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH) compared to participants with normal liver histology (β = −1.497; p = 0.005). PEMT levels also declined with increasing severity of fibrosis with cirrhosis < incomplete cirrhosis < bridging fibrosis (β = −1.185; p = 0.011). Hepatic PEMT expression was reduced in postmenopausal women with NASH compared to those with normal liver histology (β = −3.698; p = 0.030). We detected a suggestive association between rs7946 and hepatic fibrosis (p = 0.083). Although none of the tested variants were associated with hepatic PEMT expression, computational fine mapping analysis indicated that rs4646385 may impact PEMT levels in the liver. Hepatic PEMT expression decreases with increasing severity of NAFLD in obese individuals and postmenopausal women, and may contribute to disease pathogenesis in a subset of NASH patients.

NAFLD in normal weight individuals

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can develop in lean individuals. Despite a better metabolic profile, the risk of disease progression to hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and decompensated cirrhosis in the lean is similar to that in obesity-related NAFLD and lean individuals may experience more severe hepatic consequences and higher mortality relative to those with a higher body mass index (BMI). In the absence of early symptoms and abnormal laboratory findings, lean individuals are not likely to be screened for NAFLD or related comorbidities; however, given the progressive nature of the disease and the increased risk of morbidity and mortality, a clearer understanding of the natural history of NAFLD in lean individuals, as well as efforts to raise awareness of the potential health risks of NAFLD in lean individuals, are warranted. In this review, we summarize available data on NAFLD prevalence, clinical characteristics, outcomes, and mortality in lean individuals and discuss factors that may contribute to the development of NAFLD in this population, including links between dietary and genetic factors, menopausal status, and ethnicity. We also highlight the need for greater representation of lean individuals in NAFLD-related clinical trials, as well as more studies to better characterize lean NAFLD, develop improved screening algorithms, and determine specific treatment strategies based on underlying etiology.

Innovative Application of Phytochemicals from Fermented Legumes and Spices/Herbs Added in Extruded Snacks

A trend related to adding legume seeds to various products has been observed. This work aimed to use fermented red bean/broad bean seeds and their hulls to produce extruded snacks with more beneficial nutritional properties and good sensory quality. Extruded snacks containing fermented ground seeds (50%) or hull (10%) of red bean/broad bean and corn grits with the addition of selected herbs/spices (0.5%) were prepared. The chemical composition, phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and sensory quality were analysed. The results showed that the protein content ranged from 9 to 22.9 g 100 g⁻¹, phenolic compounds ranged from 3.97 to 12.80 mg 100 g⁻¹ (with the addition of herbs/spices, even up to 62.88 mg 100 g⁻¹), and antioxidant activities ranged from 4.32 to 10.23 Trolox g⁻¹ (ABTS assay), depending on the type of fermented materials. The addition of ground seeds/hull did not influence the consumer desirability, whereas the addition of selected herbs/spices, particularly lovage, increased it. The application of fermented red bean and broad bean seeds and their hulls, as part of the assumptions of the planetary diet, enabled enrichment of extruded corn products, which are often consumed by vegans and vegetarians, with nutritionally valuable ingredients.

Understanding Choline Bioavailability and Utilization: First Step Toward Personalizing Choline Nutrition

Choline is an essential macronutrient involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, cell-membrane signaling, lipid transport, and methyl-group metabolism. Nevertheless, the vast majority are not meeting the recommended intake requirement. Choline deficiency is linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, skeletal muscle atrophy, and neurodegenerative diseases. The conversion of dietary choline to trimethylamine by gut microbiota is known for its association with atherosclerosis and may contribute to choline deficiency. Choline-utilizing bacteria constitutes less than 1% of the gut community and is modulated by lifestyle interventions such as dietary patterns, antibiotics, and probiotics. In addition, choline utilization is also affected by genetic factors, further complicating the impact of choline on health. This review overviews the complex interplay between dietary intakes of choline, gut microbiota and genetic factors, and the subsequent impact on health. Understanding of gut microbiota metabolism of choline substrates and interindividual variability is warranted in the development of personalized choline nutrition.

Mercury in traditionally foraged species of fungi (macromycetes) from the karst area across Yunnan province in China

The objective of this study is to better quantify the occurrence, intake, and potential risk from Hg in fungi traditionally foraged in SW China. The concentrations and intakes of Hg were measured from 42 species including a "hard" flesh type polypore fungi and a" soft" flesh type edible species that are used in traditional herbal medicine, collected during the period 2011-2017. Three profiles of forest topsoil from the Zhenyuan site in 2015 and Changning and Dulong sites in 2016 were also investigated. The concentrations of Hg in composite samples of polypore fungi were usually below 0.1 mg kg-1 dry weight (dw) but higher levels, 0.11 ± 0.01 and 0.24 ± 0.00 mg kg-1 dw, were noted in Ganoderma applanatum and Amauroderma niger respectively, both from the Nujiang site near the town of Lanping in NW Yunnan. Hg concentrations in Boletaceae species were usually well above 1.0 mg kg-1 dw and as high as 10 mg kg-1 dw. The quality of the mushrooms in this study in view of contamination with Hg showed a complex picture. The "worst case" estimations showed probable intake of Hg from 0.006 μg kg-1 body mass (bm) ("hard" type flesh) to 0.25 μg kg-1 bm ("soft" flesh) on a daily basis for capsulated products, from 17 to 83 μg kg-1 bm ("soft" flesh) in a meal ("hard" type flesh mushrooms are not cooked while used in traditional herbal medicine after processing), and from 0.042 to 1.7 and 120 to 580 μg kg-1 bm on a weekly basis, respectively. KEY POINTS: • Polypore species were slightly contaminated with Hg. • Hg maximal content in the polypore was < 0.25 mg kg-1 dry weight. • Many species from Boletaceae family in Yunnan showed elevated Hg. • Locals who often eat Boletus may take Hg at a dose above the daily reference dose.

Choline, Neurological Development and Brain Function: A Systematic Review Focusing on the First 1000 Days

The foundations of neurodevelopment across an individual's lifespan are established in the first 1000 days of life (2 years). During this period an adequate supply of nutrients are essential for proper neurodevelopment and lifelong brain function. Of these, evidence for choline has been building but has not been widely collated using systematic approaches. Therefore, a systematic review was performed to identify the animal and human studies looking at inter-relationships between choline, neurological development, and brain function during the first 1000 days of life. The database PubMed was used, and reference lists were searched. In total, 813 publications were subject to the title/abstract review, and 38 animal and 16 human studies were included after evaluation. Findings suggest that supplementing the maternal or child's diet with choline over the first 1000 days of life could subsequently: (1) support normal brain development (animal and human evidence), (2) protect against neural and metabolic insults, particularly when the fetus is exposed to alcohol (animal and human evidence), and (3) improve neural and cognitive functioning (animal evidence). Overall, most offspring would benefit from increased choline supply during the first 1000 days of life, particularly in relation to helping facilitate normal brain development. Health policies and guidelines should consider re-evaluation to help communicate and impart potential choline benefits through diet and/or supplementation approaches across this critical life stage.

Veganism, aging and longevity: new insight into old concepts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Plant-based diets are associated with better health and longevity. Veganism is a strict form of vegetarianism, which has gained increasing attention in recent years. This review will focus on studies addressing mortality and health-span in vegans and vegetarians and discuss possible longevity-enhancing mechanisms.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies in vegans are still limited. Epidemiologic studies consistently show lower disease rates, such as lower incidence of cancer and cardiovascular disease, but mortality rates are comparable with rates in vegetarians and occasional meat eaters. Reasons for following strict vegan diets differ, which may affect diet quality, and thus health and life-span. New insights into some characteristics of veganism, such as protein restriction or restriction in certain amino acids (leucine or methionine) show potentially life-span-enhancing potential. Veganism improves insulin resistance and dyslipidemia and associated abnormalities. Gut microbiota as mediator of dietary impact on host metabolism is more diverse in vegans and has been suggested to be a health-promoting factor. Vegan diets do not fulfill the requirements of children, pregnant women or old individuals who should receive adequate supplements.

SUMMARY

There is substantial evidence that plant-based diets are associated with better health but not necessarily lower mortality rates. The exact mechanisms of health promotion by vegan diets are still not entirely clear but most likely multifactorial. Reasons for and quality of the vegan diet should be assessed in longevity studies.

Relationships between Nut Size, Kernel Quality, Nutritional Composition and Levels of Outcrossing in Three Macadamia Cultivars

Tree nuts play an important role in healthy diets, but their economic value and nutritional quality may be affected by their size and paternity. We assessed relationships between nut size and kernel recovery, the incidence of whole kernels, fatty acid composition and mineral nutrient concentrations in three macadamia cultivars, "Daddow", "816" and "A4". We determined to what extent differences in nut size and quality were the result of different levels of cross- or self-paternity. Small nuts of all cultivars had lower kernel recovery than large nuts, and small nuts provided lower incidence of whole kernels in "Daddow" and "A4". Small kernels had a lower relative abundance of the saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid, in all cultivars and higher relative abundance of the unsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, in "Daddow" and "A4". Small kernels had higher concentrations of many essential nutrients such as nitrogen and calcium, although potassium concentrations were lower in small kernels. Most nuts arose from cross-pollination. Therefore, nut size and kernel quality were not related to different levels of cross- and self-paternity. Identified cross-paternity was 88%, 78% and 90%, and identified self-paternity was 3%, 2% and 0%, for "Daddow", "816" and "A4", respectively. Small macadamia kernels are at least as nutritious as large macadamia kernels. High levels of cross-paternity confirmed that many macadamia cultivars are predominantly outcrossing. Macadamia growers may need to closely inter-plant cultivars and manage beehives to maximise cross-pollination.