1
|
Logan AC, D'Adamo CR, Pizzorno JE, Prescott SL. "Food faddists and pseudoscientists!": Reflections on the history of resistance to ultra-processed foods. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:470-476. [PMID: 38176973 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The term 'ultra-processed food' emerged in the 1980s, mostly used in reference to highly-processed convenience foods and snacks, often energy-dense, poor in nutrients, and inclusive of various synthetic additives such as emulsifiers, colors, artificial sweeteners, and/or flavor enhancers. Concern over such foods was part of the growing holistic and environmental health movements of the 1970-80s; yet, those who raised alarm about the encroachment of ultra-processed foods were often labeled, especially by industry and their powerful allies, as 'food faddists' and 'pseudoscientists'. Today, the topic of ultra-processed foods is generating massive personal, public, and planetary health interest. However, other than discussing the history of the NOVA food classification system, a useful tool that has allowed researchers to more accurately separate foods based on processing, most lay media and academic articles are ahistorical. That is, there is a tendency to present the term ultra-processed food(s) as a relatively new entrance into the lexicon, and by default, the idea that health-related pushback on ultra-processed foods is a relatively new phenomenon. This omission overlooks decades of determined advocacy and clinical work, much of it by pioneers within the holistic medicine (now integrative, functional, and lifestyle medicine) movement. Here in this reflection paper, the authors will use historical research and reporting to fill in the historical gap and articulate the saliency of why it matters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Logan
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
| | - Christopher R D'Adamo
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Susan L Prescott
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; The ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kimilu N, Gładyś-Cieszyńska K, Pieszko M, Mańkowska-Wierzbicka D, Folwarski M. Carrageenan in the Diet: Friend or Foe for Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Nutrients 2024; 16:1780. [PMID: 38892712 PMCID: PMC11174395 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
While the exact pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear, genetic, environmental and nutritional factors as well as the composition of the gut microbiome play crucial roles. Food additives, which are increasingly consumed in the Western diet, are being investigated for their potential effects on IBD. These additives can affect gut health by altering the composition of the microbiota, immune responses, and intestinal permeability, contributing to autoimmune diseases and inflammation. Despite the growing number of studies on food additives and IBD, the specific effects of carrageenan have not yet been sufficiently researched. This review addresses this gap by critically analyzing recent studies on the effects of carrageenan on the gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, and inflammatory processes. We searched the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases using the following terms: carrageenan, carrageenan and inflammatory bowel disease, carrageenan and cancer, food additives and microbiome, food additives and intestinal permeability, and food additives and autoimmune diseases. In animal studies, degraded carrageenan has been shown to trigger intestinal ulceration and inflammation, highlighting its potential risk for exacerbating IBD. It can affect the gut microbiota, reduce bacterial diversity, and increase intestinal permeability, contributing to "leaky gut" syndrome. Some studies suggest that carrageenan may inhibit the growth of cancer cells by influencing the progression of the cell cycle, but the anti-cancer effect is still unclear. Carrageenan may also increase glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Further research is needed to determine whether carrageenan should be excluded from the diet of individuals with IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kimilu
- Students’ Scientific Circle of Clinical Nutrition, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Pieszko
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland (M.P.)
| | - Dorota Mańkowska-Wierzbicka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marcin Folwarski
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland (M.P.)
- Home Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Unit, Nicolaus Copernicus Hospital, 80-803 Gdansk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu G, Zhao X, Luo X, Li H, Chen Y, Dang C, Sun L. Microstate dynamics and spectral components as markers of persistent and remittent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 161:147-156. [PMID: 38484486 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We leveraged microstate characteristics and power features to examine temporal and spectral deviations underlying persistent and remittent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS 50 young adults with childhood ADHD (28 persisters, 22 remitters) and 28 demographically similar healthy controls (HC) were compared on microstates features and frequency principal components (f-PCs) of eye-closed resting state. Support vector machine model with sequential forward selection (SVM-SFS) was utilized to discriminate three groups. RESULTS Four microstates and four comparable f-PCs were identified. Compared to HC, ADHD persisters showed prolonged duration in microstate C, elevated power of the delta component (D), and compromised amplitude of the two alpha components (A1 and A2). Remitters showed increased duration and coverage of microstate C, together with decreased activity of D, relatively intact amplitude of A1, and amplitude reduction in A2. The SVM-SFS algorithm achieved an accuracy of 93.59% in classifying persisters, remitters and controls. The most discriminative features selected were those exhibiting group differences. CONCLUSIONS We found widespread anomalies in ADHD persisters in brain dynamics and intrinsic EEG components. Meanwhile, the neural features in remitters exhibited multiple patterns. SIGNIFICANCE This study underlines the use of microstate dynamics and spectral components as potential markers of persistent and remittent ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- GuiSen Wu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing 100191, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - XiXi Zhao
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - XiangSheng Luo
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing 100191, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing 100191, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - YanBo Chen
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing 100191, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Chen Dang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing 100191, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Li Sun
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Institute of Mental Health, Beijing 100191, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Prescott SL, Logan AC, D’Adamo CR, Holton KF, Lowry CA, Marks J, Moodie R, Poland B. Nutritional Criminology: Why the Emerging Research on Ultra-Processed Food Matters to Health and Justice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:120. [PMID: 38397611 PMCID: PMC10888116 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
There is mounting concern over the potential harms associated with ultra-processed foods, including poor mental health and antisocial behavior. Cutting-edge research provides an enhanced understanding of biophysiological mechanisms, including microbiome pathways, and invites a historical reexamination of earlier work that investigated the relationship between nutrition and criminal behavior. Here, in this perspective article, we explore how this emergent research casts new light and greater significance on previous key observations. Despite expanding interest in the field dubbed 'nutritional psychiatry', there has been relatively little attention paid to its relevancy within criminology and the criminal justice system. Since public health practitioners, allied mental health professionals, and policymakers play key roles throughout criminal justice systems, a holistic perspective on both historical and emergent research is critical. While there are many questions to be resolved, the available evidence suggests that nutrition might be an underappreciated factor in prevention and treatment along the criminal justice spectrum. The intersection of nutrition and biopsychosocial health requires transdisciplinary discussions of power structures, industry influence, and marketing issues associated with widespread food and social inequalities. Some of these discussions are already occurring under the banner of 'food crime'. Given the vast societal implications, it is our contention that the subject of nutrition in the multidisciplinary field of criminology-referred to here as nutritional criminology-deserves increased scrutiny. Through combining historical findings and cutting-edge research, we aim to increase awareness of this topic among the broad readership of the journal, with the hopes of generating new hypotheses and collaborations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan L. Prescott
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia;
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA;
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- The ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Alan C. Logan
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA;
| | - Christopher R. D’Adamo
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA;
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kathleen F. Holton
- Departments of Health Studies and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA;
| | - Christopher A. Lowry
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Center for Microbial Exploration, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
| | - John Marks
- Department of Criminal Justice, Louisiana State University of Alexandria, Alexandria, LA 71302, USA;
| | - Rob Moodie
- School of Population and Global Health (MSPGH), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Blake Poland
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5R 0A3, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Prescott SL, D’Adamo CR, Holton KF, Ortiz S, Overby N, Logan AC. Beyond Plants: The Ultra-Processing of Global Diets Is Harming the Health of People, Places, and Planet. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6461. [PMID: 37569002 PMCID: PMC10419141 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20156461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Global food systems are a central issue for personal and planetary health in the Anthropocene. One aspect of major concern is the dramatic global spread of ultra-processed convenience foods in the last 75 years, which is linked with the rising human burden of disease and growing sustainability and environmental health challenges. However, there are also calls to radically transform global food systems, from animal to plant-derived protein sources, which may have unintended consequences. Commercial entities have moved toward this "great plant transition" with vigor. Whether motivated by profit or genuine environmental concern, this effort has facilitated the emergence of novel ultra-processed "plant-based" commercial products devoid of nutrients and fiber, and sometimes inclusive of high sugar, industrial fats, and synthetic additives. These and other ingredients combined into "plant-based" foods are often assumed to be healthy and lower in calorie content. However, the available evidence indicates that many of these products can potentially compromise health at all scales-of people, places, and planet. In this viewpoint, we summarize and reflect on the evidence and discussions presented at the Nova Network planetary health meeting on the "Future of Food", which had a particular focus on the encroachment of ultra-processed foods into the global food supply, including the plant-sourced animal protein alternatives (and the collective of ingredients therein) that are finding their way into global fast-food chains. We contend that while there has been much uncritical media attention given to the environmental impact of protein and macronutrient sources-meat vs. novel soy/pea protein burgers, etc.-the impact of the heavy industrial processing on both human and environmental health is significant but often overlooked, including effects on cognition and mental health. This calls for a more nuanced discourse that considers these complexities and refocuses priorities and value systems towards mutualistic solutions, with co-benefits for individuals, local communities, and global ecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan L. Prescott
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (C.R.D.); (A.C.L.)
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- The ORIGINS Project, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Christopher R. D’Adamo
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (C.R.D.); (A.C.L.)
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kathleen F. Holton
- Departments of Health Studies and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA;
| | - Selena Ortiz
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Nina Overby
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Centre for Lifecourse Nutrition, University of Agder, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway;
| | - Alan C. Logan
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (C.R.D.); (A.C.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pinto S, Correia-de-Sá T, Sampaio-Maia B, Vasconcelos C, Moreira P, Ferreira-Gomes J. Eating Patterns and Dietary Interventions in ADHD: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204332. [PMID: 36297016 PMCID: PMC9608000 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood, affecting ~7% of children and adolescents. Given its adverse health outcomes and high healthcare and societal costs, other treatment options beyond pharmacotherapy have been explored. Case-control studies have shown that dietary patterns may influence the risk of ADHD, and specific dietary interventions have been proposed as coadjuvant treatments in this disorder. These include nutritional supplements, gut microbiome-targeted interventions with biotics, and elimination diets. The purpose of this review is to examine which dietary patterns are most associated with ADHD and to summarize the existing evidence for the clinical use of dietary interventions. The literature showed that non-healthy dietary patterns were positively associated with ADHD, whereas healthy patterns were negatively associated. As for nutritional supplements, only vitamin D and vitamin D + magnesium appeared to improve ADHD symptoms when baseline levels of vitamin D were insufficient/deficient. Regarding biotics, evidence was only found for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and for multi-species probiotic supplementation. Elimination diets have scarce evidence and lead to nutritional deficiencies, so caution is advised. Overall, more robust scientific evidence is required for these dietary interventions to be implemented as part of ADHD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pinto
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Correia-de-Sá
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Benedita Sampaio-Maia
- INEB—Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Vasconcelos
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
- Nutrition Service, University Hospital Center of São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Moreira
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
- EPIUnit, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-225-074-320
| | - Joana Ferreira-Gomes
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Institute for Research & Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IBMC—Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|