An Exploration of Dietary Strategies for Hypertension Management: A Narrative Review

This review aims to clarify the influence of various nutritional approaches in the management of hypertension. An extensive search of databases, namely, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, was performed, covering the period from January 2012 to October 2023. We used keywords, such as "hypertension," "nutrition," "nutritional management," "nutrient intake," "dietary strategies," "DASH diet," "Mediterranean diet," and related terms. Hypertension, a grave global health concern, affects more than one billion people worldwide. Lifestyle modifications, including nutritional strategies, are important in non-pharmacological interventions. Dietary patterns, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets, which emphasize fruit and vegetable consumption, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing blood pressure. Certain nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, have significant effects on blood pressure. The mechanisms underlying these dietary strategies include vasodilation, improvement in endothelial function, regulation of sodium balance, and mitigation of oxidative stress. However, successful implementation of these strategies can be hindered by various factors, such as adherence challenges, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural preferences. In conclusion, robust evidence supports the effectiveness of nutritional strategies in the management of hypertension. DASH and Mediterranean diets, along with an increased intake of specific nutrients, contribute to blood pressure reduction. Hence, comprehensive lifestyle modifications, with a focus on nutritional changes, are recommended as primary or complementary treatments for hypertension. Addressing the identified barriers could enhance the efficacy and use of these dietary approaches in clinical practice.

Predicting Personalized Diets Based on Microbial Characteristics between Patients with Superficial Gastritis and Atrophic Gastritis

BACKGROUND

gastritis is a common stomach disease with a high global incidence and can potentially develop into gastric cancer. The treatment of gastritis focuses on medication or diets based on national guidelines. However, the specific diet that can alleviate gastritis remains largely unknown.

METHODS

we propose a microbiota-directed dietary strategy that investigates potential food factors using microbial exogenous metabolites. Given the current lack of understanding of the repeatable characteristics of gastric microbiota, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify the features of gastric bacteria. Local samples were collected as validation cohorts. Furthermore, RevEcoR was employed to identify bacteria's exogenous metabolites, and FooDB was used to retrieve foods that can target specific bacteria.

RESULTS

Bacteroides, Weissella, Actinomyces, Atopobium, Oribacterium, Peptostreptococcus, and Rothia were biomarkers between superficial gastritis (SG) and atrophic gastritis (AG) (AG_N) without H. pylori infection, whereas Bacillus, Actinomyces, Cutibacterium, Helicobacter, Novosphingobium, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus were signatures between SG and AG (AG_P) with H. pylori infection. According to the exogenous metabolites, adenosyloobalamin, soybean, common wheat, dates, and barley were regarded as potential candidates for AG_N treatment, while gallate was regarded as a candidate for AG_P treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

this study firstly profiled the gastric microbiota of AG and SG with or without H. pylori and provided a recommended diet for global AG according to exogenous metabolites.

Effects of food availability and climate on the activity budget of Shortridge's langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) in the Drung Valley, Gaoligong Mountains, China

Food availability and climate represent environmental factors that affect species' social behavior, ranging patterns, diet, and activity budget. From August 2012 to September 2013, we examined the effects of seasonal changes in food availability, temperature, and rainfall on the diet and behavioral ecology of Shortridge's langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) an Endangered primate species inhabiting moist evergreen broadleaf forests in the Eastern Himalayas. Our field site represents the northernmost latitudinal distribution of this species. Data were collected using scan sampling at 10 min intervals, and analyzed based on generalized linear models. The results indicate that the langurs experienced two feeding peaks (9:00 and 17:00) and two traveling peaks (10:00 and 19:00) during each day. Periods of rest, mainly occurred between 10:00 and 13:00, and overnight. Feeding accounted for 38.5% of the daily activity budget, followed by resting (35%), traveling (24.5%), and socializing (2%). During periods when young leaves were most available, the langurs increased feeding time on young leaves (35% vs. 4%). During periods of maximum fruit availability, the langurs decreased total time spent feeding (36.6% vs. 40.4%), devoted more time to traveling (28.1% vs. 21%), and increased time spent consuming fruit (49.1% vs. 11.8%). During the winter, the langurs increased their consumption of mature leaves (44.5%) and reduced time spent traveling (20.2% vs. 25.4%). Overall, time spent resting was greatest in the spring (47.5%), time spent feeding was greatest during the summer (51.1%), and time spent in traveling was greatest in the autumn (33.2%). The frequency of social interactions remained relatively constant throughout the year. Foraging effort was greatest in the summer, when fruits dominated the diet. Like other species of temperate langurs, T. shortridgei devoted less time to resting, more time to feeding, and was characterized by a greater year-round foraging effort than tropical/subtropical langurs.

Effect of the Mediterranean diet and probiotic supplementation in the management of mild cognitive impairment: Rationale, methods, and baseline characteristics

Introduction

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can progress to Alzheimer's disease (AD). When MCI is not properly controlled, the speed of deterioration can dramatically increase. Reduction of oxidative stress/inflammation and the modulation of the gut-brain axis could be new potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of AD. Consumption of specific nutrients, diets and probiotic supplementation have been evaluated for neurodegenerative disorders. We focus on a detailed description of the study methods and baseline characteristics of a clinical trial aiming to evaluate the efficacy of a combined nutritional intervention, i.e., a Mediterranean diet with probiotics, on cognitive capacity in a population with MCI.

Methods

In this randomized, latin-square crossover, double-blind, and controlled dietary intervention trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT05029765), 47 MCI patients were randomized to consume three dietary interventions for 24-weeks each: (1) A Mediterranean diet supplemented with probiotics (10⁹ colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum); (2) A Mediterranean diet + placebo; and (3) A Healthy diet according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Participants will be evaluated before and after each of the three intervention periods (each 24-weeks, with a total of 72-weeks) for adherence to the assigned diet, blood tests, cognitive performance, gut microbiota analysis and functional neuroimaging studies.

Results

Fifty patients, ≥60 years-old and diagnosed with MCI, underwent randomization. A total of 47 patients completed follow-up dietary interventions (57.4% males), with a good glycemic control (HbA1c 5.8 ± 0.1%, fasting glucose and insulin 99.7 ± 3.3 mg/dL and 10.4 ± 0.9 mU/L, respectively), elevated systolic blood pressure (136.9 ± 2.1 mmHg) and increased degree of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, 8.8 ± 0.9 mg/dL). Baseline adherence to the Mediterranean diet was medium (7.5 ± 0.3 points on the score that ranged from 0 to 14 points).

Conclusion

The results of this clinical study would provide more evidence on the need for dietary therapeutic strategies, for clinical and individual practice, in the management of MCI patients to reduce the risk of AD development. Targeting lifestyle modifications in high-risk populations could prevent substantial cases of cognitive decline.

Clinical trial registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT05029765].

Dietary Patterns and Gut Microbiota Changes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Current Insights and Future Challenges

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a result of a complex interplay between genes, host immune response, gut microbiota, and environmental factors. As one of the crucial environmental factors, diet plays a pivotal role in the modulation of gut microbiota community and the development of IBD. In this review, we present an overview of dietary patterns involved in the pathogenesis and management of IBD, and analyze the associated gut microbial alterations. A Westernized diet rich in protein, fats and refined carbohydrates tends to cause dysbiosis and promote IBD progression. Some dietary patterns have been found effective in obtaining IBD clinical remission, including Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED), Mediterranean diet (MD), Anti-Inflammatory Diet (AID), the low-"Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides and Polyols" (FODMAP) diet, Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), and plant-based diet, etc. Overall, many researchers have reported the role of diet in regulating gut microbiota and the IBD disease course. However, more prospective studies are required to achieve consistent and solid conclusions in the future. This review provides some recommendations for studies exploring novel and potential dietary strategies that prevent IBD.

Dried small fish provide nutrient densities important for the first 1000 days

Inadequate nutrient intakes are prevalent among many populations in sub-Saharan Africa and increasing fish consumption among pregnant/lactating women and children is one strategy to improve diets and address nutrient deficiencies. We report the nutrient content of two fish-based recipes-fish powder and fish chutney-that contain dried small fish available in local markets in Zambia. The contribution of a serving of each recipe to the recommended daily intakes of iron, zinc, calcium and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for pregnant/lactating women and children 6-24 months was calculated because these nutrients are commonly deficient in African diets. We found that one 10-g serving of fish powder provides 20% or more of the daily calcium recommendation and 37% or more of the daily DHA recommendation for both pregnant/lactating women and children. A 30-g serving of fish chutney provides over 40% of the daily calcium recommendation for pregnant women and over 50% for lactating women. Additionally, we investigated the nutrient density (nutrients per kilocalorie) of the fish powder and compared it with the nutrient density of a small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement plus (SQ-LNS-plus). SQ-LNS-plus is designed to enhance children's diets by providing micronutrients and DHA. Fish powder is similar to SQ-LNS-plus in iron and zinc density and even higher in calcium and DHA density. Consuming dried small fish as part of a daily meal can be a viable strategy for combatting nutrient deficiencies in the first 1000 days.

Etiology of Colitis-Complex Diarrhea in Growing Pigs: A Review

Simple Summary

Diarrhea in growing pigs is a challenge for the pig industry since it is associated with reduced animal welfare, retarded growth, increased feed conversion ratio, and is often treated with antibiotics. One of the major causes of diarrhea in the growing period is large intestinal inflammation, often referred to as colitis. The exact causes of colitis-complex diarrhea are still to be understood, but dietary factors and/or pathogens have been recognized as the major factors in developing colitis-complex diarrhea. In this review, a thorough picture of pathogens, dietary factors, and a number of possible biomarkers related to colitis-complex diarrhea is presented.

Abstract

Colitis-complex diarrhea (CCD) in pigs can be defined as a type of diarrhea, which is associated with colonic inflammation and disrupted colonic gut barrier functionality in growing pigs (4–16 weeks post-weaning). It is a challenge for the pig industry as it is associated with the high use of antibiotics, reduced animal welfare, and depressed growth rate. The exact etiology of CCD is still unclear; however, pathogens including Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae, B. pilosicoli, and swine whipworms such as Trichuris (T.) suis have been involved in specific colitis (SC). In the absence of specific pathogens, dietary factors, such as high levels of protein, pelleted feedstuffs, and lack of sufficient antioxidants, can result in non-specific colitis (NSC). On the other hand, supplement of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and polyphenols, sufficient supply of essential amino acids (e.g., threonine, cysteine, and proline), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; especially butyrate), and resistant starch have shown to confer preventing/ameliorating effects on CCD. Different putative biomarkers associated with CCD have been presented. It is anticipated that a comprehensive picture of the possible causes of CCD and potential dietary interventions could cast light on the direction of future studies aimed at developing preventive and curative strategies against CCD in growing pigs.

Fighting Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Innovations in Food Fortificants and Biofortification Strategies

Iron deficiency remains one of the main nutritional disorders worldwide and low iron intake and/or bioavailability are currently the major causes of anemia. To fight this public health problem, the scientific challenge is to find an iron form with sufficient bioavailability to increase its levels in humans through food fortification. In turn, biofortification appears as a comparatively advantageous and bearable strategy for the delivery of vitamins and other micronutrients for people without access to a healthy and diverse diet. This approach relies on plant breeding, transgenic techniques, or agronomic practices to obtain a final food product with a higher iron content. It is also known that certain food constituents are able to favor or inhibit iron absorption. The management of these compounds can thus successfully improve the absorption of dietary iron and, ultimately, contribute to fight this disorder present all over the world. This review describes the main causes/manifestations of iron-deficiency anemia, forms of disease prevention and treatment, and the importance of a balanced and preventive diet. A special focus was given to innovative food fortification and biofortification procedures used to improve the iron content in staple food crops.

A Fad too Far? Dietary Strategies for the Prevention and Treatment of NAFLD

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health problem, and its prevalence has increased in recent years, concurrent with rising rates of obesity and other metabolic diseases. Currently, there are no FDA-approved pharmacological therapies for NAFLD, and lifestyle interventions, including weight loss and exercise, remain the cornerstones for treatment. Manipulating diet composition and eating patterns may be a sustainable approach to NAFLD treatment. Dietary strategies including Paleolithic, ketogenic, Mediterranean, high-protein, plant-based, low-carbohydrate, and intermittent fasting diets have become increasingly popular because of their purported benefits on metabolic disease. This review highlights what is currently known about these popular dietary approaches in the management of NAFLD in clinical populations with mechanistic insight from animal studies. It also identifies key knowledge gaps to better inform future preclinical and clinical studies aimed at the treatment of NAFLD.

Growing up strong: The importance of physical, mental, and emotional strength during childhood and adolescence with focus on dietary factors

Childhood and adolescence are critical time periods for growth and development. Given the current physical and psychological health concerns affecting United States youth, an emerging area of interest exists supporting the importance of physical and psychological aspects of strength for health, resilience, and well-being through these life stages. This synopsis highlights the key concepts that were presented within the 2018 Strength Summit conference, entitled The Role of Strength in Optimal Health and Well-being. During the conference, strength was broadly defined as the ability to successfully respond to a challenge. Although much of the current research focuses on strength from a muscle function and performance perspective, mental and emotional strength are also important components of overall health and well-being, especially in children and adolescents. This paper provides a brief overview of the clinical and/or research-based strength outcomes, summarizes the relationship between strength and health, and discusses evidence-based dietary factors that promote strength in children and adolescents. Novelty Building physical, mental, and emotional strength during childhood and adolescence lays the foundation for health and well-being. Emerging evidence indicate positive associations between diet quality and strength in children and adolescents. Promising areas include the promotion of family-based meals, with focus on breakfast, for improved strength in United States youth.

Glycemic Index (GI) or Glycemic Load (GL) and Dietary Interventions for Optimizing Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Patients with T2 Diabetes: A Review

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) worldwide calls for effective approaches to its management. Strategies for diabetes have generally focused on optimizing overall glycemic control as assessed by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values. However, since 2001, the American Diabetes Association has established postprandial glucose (PPG) as an independent contributor to both HbA1c and diabetes complications, and increasing evidence suggests that all three glycemic parameters of HbA1c, FPG, and postprandial glucose (PPG) are independently important. Objectives: The objective of this review was to comprehensively summarize the literature on the effects of nutritional strategies incorporating glycemic index (GI)/glycemic load (GL) on the postprandial hyperglycemia in people with T2D, as well as to provide recommendations for effective dietary strategies addressing both the dietary glycemic index and load in clinical practice. Design: An advanced Pubmed search was conducted. A total of 10 randomized controlled studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies compared low-GI with higher GI meals, three included studies that compared reduced carbohydrate content with higher carbohydrate content, and one study compared meals of low-GI (with high or low fiber) with meals of higher GI (with high or low fiber). Results: Most of the clinical trials resulted in significant improvement (p < 0.05) of postprandial hyperglycemia. Conclusions: Either reducing the amount of carbohydrate in a meal or increasing consumption of soluble fiber has a favorable effect on postprandial glucose excursions.

Obesity in midlife: lifestyle and dietary strategies

As the rate of obesity increases globally, so does the incidence of other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and dementia, which have been referred to as 'adiposity-based chronic disease'. With timely lifestyle modification such as behavioral changes, implementation of a healthy diet, and proper physical activity, many of these diseases can be prevented. Weight gain is one of the major health concerns of midlife. Midlife body changes are the result of aging, menopause, and other influences unique to menopausal women which interfere with adoption of a healthy lifestyle. Reduced metabolism levels lead to low energy levels, which discourage physical activity. In addition, with the onset of bone loss, menopausal women begin to lose muscle mass and gain more fat, resulting in osteopenic sarco-obesity. Adoption of a healthy lifestyle is a first-line option in the treatment for these midlife changes. Lifestyle medicine offers a broad set of network-based interventions, which need to be brought to the forefront in preventing and managing obesity at all stages. This review article focuses on evidence-based lifestyle changes and their benefits for reducing morbidity and mortality related to obesity and its complications prevalent at midlife and beyond.

Standardized Aronia melanocarpa Extract as Novel Supplement against Metabolic Syndrome: A Rat Model

The aim of our study was to examine the effects of different dietary strategies, high-fat (HFd) or standard diet (Sd) alone or in combination with standardized oral supplementation (0.45 mL/kg/day) of Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE) in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). SAE is an official product of pharmaceutical company Pharmanova (Belgrade, Serbia); however, the procedure for extraction was done by EU-Chem company (Belgrade, Serbia). Rats were divided randomly into six groups: control with Sd, control with Sd and SAE, MetS with HFd, MetS with HFd and SAE, MetS with Sd and MetS with Sd and SAE during 4 weeks. At the end of the 4-week protocol, cardiac function and liver morphology were assessed, while in the blood samples glucose, insulin, iron levels and systemic redox state were determined. Our results demonstrated that SAE had the ability to lower blood pressure and exert benefits on in vivo and ex vivo heart function. Moreover, SAE improved glucose tolerance, attenuated pathological liver alterations and oxidative stress present in MetS. Obtained beneficial effects of SAE were more prominent in combination with changing dietary habits. Promising potential of SAE supplementation alone or in combination with different dietary protocols in triggering cardioprotection should be further examined in future.

Evaluation of a smartphone nutrition and physical activity application to provide lifestyle advice to pregnant women: The SNAPP randomised trial

Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a smartphone application as an adjunct to face-to-face consultations in facilitating dietary and physical activity change among pregnant women. This multicentre, nested randomised trial involved pregnant women with a body mass index ≥18.5 kg/m2 , with a singleton pregnancy between 10 and 20 weeks' gestation, and participating in 2 pregnancy nutrition-based randomised trials across metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. All women participating in the SNAPP trial received a comprehensive dietary, physical activity, and behavioural intervention, as part of the GRoW or OPTIMISE randomised trials. Women were subsequently randomised to either the "Lifestyle Advice Only Group," where women received the above intervention, or the "Lifestyle Advice plus Smartphone Application Group," where women were additionally provided access to the smartphone application. The primary outcome was healthy eating index (HEI) assessed by maternal food frequency questionnaire completed at trial entry, and 28 and 36 weeks' gestation. Analyses were performed using intention-to-treat principles, with statistical significance at p = .05. One hundred sixty-two women participated: 77 allocated to the Lifestyle Advice plus Smartphone Application Group and 85 to the Lifestyle Advice Only Group. Mean difference in HEI score at 28 weeks of pregnancy was 0.01 (CI [-2.29, 2.62]) and at 36 weeks of pregnancy -1.16 (CI [-4.60, 2.28]). There was no significant additional benefit from the provision of the smartphone application in improving HEI score (p = .452). Although all women improved dietary quality across pregnancy, use of the smartphone application was poor. Our findings do not support addition of the smartphone application.

In Vitro Reduction of Arsenic Bioavailability Using Dietary Strategies

The main route of human exposure to inorganic arsenic (As) is through the consumption of food and water. Continued exposure to inorganic As [As(III) and As(V)] may cause a variety of diseases, including various types of cancer. The removal of As from these sources is complex, especially for food. One way to decrease As exposure could be by reducing intestinal absorption of it. The aim of this study is to seek dietary strategies (pure compounds, extracts, or supplements) that are capable of reducing the amount of As that is absorbed and reaches systemic circulation. Standard solutions of As(III) and As(V) and bioaccessible fractions of food samples with or without the dietary strategies to be tested were added to colon-derived human cells (NCM460 and HT-29MTX) to determine the apparent permeability (P_app) of As. Results show that transport across the intestinal monolayers is substantial, and the passage of As(III) (P_app = 4.2 × 10^-5 cm/s) is greater than that of As(V) (P_app = 2.4 × 10^-5 cm/s). Some of the treatments used (iron species, cysteine, grape extract) significantly reduce the transport of both inorganic As standards across the intestinal monolayer, thus decreasing absorption of them. In food samples, the effect of the dietary compounds on inorganic As bioavailability was also observed, especially in the cases of curcumin and cysteine. Compounds that proved effective in these in vitro assays could be the basis for intervention strategies aimed at reducing As toxicity in chronically exposed populations or regular consumers of food products with high As contents.

Comparing the Nutritional Impact of Dietary Strategies to Reduce Discretionary Choice Intake in the Australian Adult Population: A Simulation Modelling Study

Dietary strategies to reduce discretionary choice intake are commonly utilized in practice, but evidence on their relative efficacy is lacking. The aim was to compare the potential impact on nutritional intake of three strategies to reducing discretionary choices intake in the Australian adult (19-90 years) population. Dietary simulation modelling using data from the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-2012 was conducted (n = 9341; one 24 h dietary recall). Strategies modelled were: moderation (reduce discretionary choices by 50%, with 0%, 25% or 75% energy compensation); substitution (replace 50% of discretionary choices with core choices); reformulation (replace 50% SFA with unsaturated fats, reduce added sugars by 25%, and reduce sodium by 20%). Compared to the base case (observed) intake, modelled intakes in the moderation scenario showed: -17.3% lower energy (sensitivity analyses, 25% energy compensation -14.2%; 75% energy compensation -8.0%), -20.9% lower SFA (-17.4%; -10.5%), -43.3% lower added sugars (-41.1%; -36.7%) and 17.7% lower sodium (-14.3%; -7.5%). Substitution with a range of core items, or with fruits, vegetables and core beverages only, resulted in similar changes in energy intake (-13.5% and -15.4%), SFA (-17.7% and -20.1%), added sugars (-42.6% and -43%) and sodium (-13.7% and -16.5%), respectively. Reformulating discretionary choices had minimal impact on reducing energy intake but reduced SFA (-10.3% to -30.9%), added sugars (-9.3% to -52.9%), and alcohol (-25.0% to -49.9%) and sodium (-3.3% to -13.2%). The substitution and reformulation scenarios minimized negative changes in fiber, protein and micronutrient intakes. While each strategy has strengths and limitations, substitution of discretionary choices with core foods and beverages may optimize the nutritional impact.

Dietary strategies for achieving adequate vitamin D and iron intakes in young children in Ireland

BACKGROUND

Inadequate intakes of vitamin D and iron have been reported in young children in Ireland. The present study aimed to identify the main foods determining vitamin D and iron intakes and to model the impact of dietary strategies to improve adequacy of these micronutrients in young children.

METHODS

The present study is based on the Irish National Pre-School Nutrition Survey (NPNS), which estimated food and nutrient intakes in a representative sample (n = 500) of children (aged 1-4 years) using a 4-day weighed food record. Dietary strategies were modelled using DaDiet^© software (Dazult Ltd, Co. Kildare, Republic of Ireland) and the usual intake distribution, prevalence of inadequate intakes and risk of excessive intakes were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method.

RESULTS

Fortified foods and nutritional supplements were the key foods influencing the intakes of vitamin D and iron. Adding a 5 μg day^-1 vitamin D supplement, fortifying cow's milk (CM) with vitamin D or replacing CM with growing-up milk (GUM) would modestly increase intakes of vitamin D. A combined strategy of fortifying CM with vitamin D or replacing CM with GUM plus a 5 μg day^-1 vitamin D supplement would increase mean intakes of vitamin D (from 3.5 μg day^-1 at baseline to ≥11 μg day^-1 ) and substantially reduce the prevalence of inadequate intakes (from >95% to 12-36%). Fortifying CM with iron or replacing CM with GUM would increase mean intakes of iron (from 7.3 mg day^-1 to >10 mg day^-1 ), achieving adequate intakes across all ages.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on real food consumption data in a representative sample of Irish children, we have shown that through targeted dietary strategies adequate intakes of iron are achievable and intakes of vitamin D could be greatly improved.

Dietary Strategies Implicated in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is established as the combination of central obesity and different metabolic disturbances, such as insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. This cluster of factors affects approximately 10%-50% of adults worldwide and the prevalence has been increasing in epidemic proportions over the last years. Thus, dietary strategies to treat this heterogenic disease are under continuous study. In this sense, diets based on negative-energy-balance, the Mediterranean dietary pattern, n-3 fatty acids, total antioxidant capacity and meal frequency have been suggested as effective approaches to treat MetS. Furthermore, the type and percentage of carbohydrates, the glycemic index or glycemic load, and dietary fiber content are some of the most relevant aspects related to insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, which are important co-morbidities of MetS. Finally, new studies focused on the molecular action of specific nutritional bioactive compounds with positive effects on the MetS are currently an objective of scientific research worldwide. The present review summarizes some of the most relevant dietary approaches and bioactive compounds employed in the treatment of the MetS to date.

Effect of a dietary supplementation with linseed oil and selenium to growing rabbits on their productive performances, carcass traits and fresh and cooked meat quality

The present experiment tested a dietary supplementation with linseed oil and selenium to growing rabbits. The basal diet (B) contained 3% sunflower oil, while it was substituted with 3% linseed oil in the experimental feed (S). The selenium (Se) content of the two diets was 0.10 vs. 0.46 mg/kg. Rabbits were fed with B diet from the age of 18 days. One group was fed with the B diet until 11 weeks of age (group B), whereas the experimental groups were fed with S diet for 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks (groups S1, S2, S3 and S4, respectively), before slaughtering (11 weeks of age). Live performance and carcass traits of rabbits, fatty acid (FA) profile and selenium content of their hind leg (HL) and Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) meat were considered in this study. In addition, the effect of two different cooking methods on the nutritional value of the enriched HL meat was also assessed. The tested dietary supplementation only minimally affected the live performance and carcass traits of rabbits. The S supplementation significantly reduced the Σ n-6 FA and increased the Σ n-3 FA of the HL meat and LTL meat, compared to the B diet (p < 0.001); thus, n-6/n-3 ratio was improved (p < 0.001). In addition, HL meat and LTL meat of S fed rabbits were significantly enriched in Se reaching a twofold increase in both meat cuts (p < 0.01). Therefore, the S supplementation improved the functional value of the rabbit meat. The heat treatment affected cooking loss, Se and vitamin E contents as well as the oxidative status of the HL meat (p < 0.001), with the different cooking methods providing different results. In addition, even if the beneficial C20:5 n-3 and C22:6 n-3 decreased with cooking, the n-6/n-3 ratio remained unaffected.

Dietary Strategies To Reduce the Bioaccessibility of Arsenic from Food Matrices

The main route of exposure to arsenic (As) is the consumption of water and foods, in which the forms with greatest toxicity are inorganic As and dimethylarsinic acid, DMA(V). The objective of this study was to search for dietary components that reduce the bioaccessibility of As from food and water, in order to reduce the amount of As available for absorption. For this purpose, 35 compounds were assayed by use of a static in vitro model of gastrointestinal digestion. Sulfates of Fe(II) and Fe(III) reduced the solubility of inorganic As (86-99%) and DMA(V) in aqueous solution (40-66%). This reduction was also observed in rice (100%) and seaweed (60%). Aluminum, titanium, and tannic acid also reduced the bioaccessibility of As from food (42-70%). These data show that the use of dietary components may be a good strategy to reduce the entry of As into systemic circulation.

Dietary Mannoheptulose Increases Fasting Serum Glucagon Like Peptide-1 and Post-Prandial Serum Ghrelin Concentrations in Adult Beagle Dogs

Simple Summary

There is increased interest in the use of nutraceuticals for weight management in companion animals. A nutraceutical can broadly be considered a food (or a part of) that provides a health benefit. Mannoheptulose (MH), a sugar found in avocados, is being investigated as a nutraceutical for dogs. In this study, dogs fed a diet containing MH had increased concentrations of blood biomarkers related to energy intake. In addition, dogs fed MH were less physically active than dogs fed a control diet. These findings suggest that dietary MH has the ability to alter energy intake and lower daily energy expenditure.

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the use of nutraceuticals for weight management in companion animals. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mannoheptulose (MH), a sugar in avocados that inhibits glycolysis, on energy metabolism in adult Beagle dogs. The study was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial where dogs were allocated to a control (CON, n = 10, 10.1 ± 0.4 kg) or MH containing diet (168 mg/kg, n = 10, 10.3 ± 0.4 kg). Blood was collected after an overnight fast and 1 h post-feeding (week 12) to determine serum satiety related hormones and biochemistry. Resting and post-prandial energy expenditure and respiratory quotient were determined by indirect calorimetry (weeks 4 and 8). Physical activity was measured using an accelerometer (weeks 3, 7, 11). Body composition was assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (week 12). MH significantly (p < 0.05) increased fasting serum glucagon-like peptide-1 and post-prandial serum ghrelin. MH tended (p < 0.1) to increase fasting serum gastric inhibitory peptide and decrease physical activity. Together, these findings suggest that dietary MH has the ability to promote satiation and lowers daily energy expenditure.

Parental perspectives regarding primary-care weight-management strategies for school-age children

To identify parental perspectives regarding weight-management strategies for school-age children, focus groups were conducted of parents of overweight and obese (body mass index ≥ 85th percentile) 6-12-year-old children recruited from primary-care clinics. Questions focused on the role of the primary-care provider, effective components of weight-management strategies and feasibility of specific dietary strategies. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using margin coding and grounded theory. Six focus groups were held. The mean age (in years) for parents was 32, and for children, eight; 44% of participants were Latino, 33%, African-American and 23%, white. Parents' recommendations on the primary-care provider's role in weight management included monitoring weight, providing guidance regarding health risks and lifestyle changes, consistent follow-up and using discretion during weight discussions. Weight-management components identified as key included emphasising healthy lifestyles and enjoyment, small changes to routines and parental role modelling. Parents prefer guidance regarding healthy dietary practices rather than specific weight-loss diets, but identified principles that could enhance the acceptability of these diets. For dietary guidance to be feasible, parents recommended easy-to-follow instructions and emphasising servings over counting calories. Effective weight-management strategies identified by parents include primary-care provider engagement in weight management, simple instructions regarding healthy lifestyle changes, parental involvement and deemphasising specific weight-loss diets. These findings may prove useful in developing primary-care weight-management strategies for children that maximise parental acceptance.

Dietary strategies to optimize wound healing after periodontal and dental implant surgery: an evidence-based review

Methods to optimize healing through dietary strategies present an attractive option for patients, such that healing from delicate oral surgeries occurs as optimally as possible with minimal patient-meditated complications through improper food choices. This review discusses findings from studies that have investigated the role of diet, either whole foods or individual dietary components, on periodontal health and their potential role in wound healing after periodontal surgery. To date, research in this area has largely focused on foods or individual dietary components that may attenuate inflammation or oxidant stress, or foster de novo bone formation. These studies suggest that a wide variety of dietary components, including macronutrients and micronutrients, are integral for optimal periodontal health and have the potential to accelerate oral wound healing after periodontal procedures. Moreover, this review provides guidance regarding dietary considerations that may help a patient achieve the best possible outcome after a periodontal procedure.