Current Nutrition & Food Science - Online First

The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the amount and human health risk (HHR) related to some heavy metals (HMs) in leafy vegetables based on the total concentration mode (TCM) and bioaccessible concentration mode (BCM).

Seven types of leafy vegetables were collected, and then, 105 raw and 35 human-digested leafy vegetable samples were selected. These samples were analyzed for HMs by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and HHR assessments were performed using the Monte Carlo simulation method.

The bioaccessibility average of the HMs between leafy vegetables varied from 23.8 to 86.8%, with significant differences (P>0.001). The estimated hazard index associated with the probabilistic non-carcinogenic risk (PNCR) for all HMs, based on the TCM (1.38), was higher than the acceptable level (1). The PNCR value based on the BCM (=0.59) was, in turn, significantly lower than the limit. This was also true for probabilistic carcinogenic risk (PCR), as the cancer risk values for the TCM and BCM were estimated to be 2.7×10 ^-3 and 8.4×10^-4, respectively, indicating a difference between the two estimations.

These findings highlight the importance of BCM-based risk assessments in dietary studies, as they offer more accurate and actionable insights into health risks. Relying on TCM for Human Health Risk Assessments (HHRA) may lead to overestimations that misguide regulatory decisions.

A HHRA based on the BCM is more realistic, and health decisions and protective measures are more accurate. It is, therefore, recommended that researchers use this method for HHRA of HMs in various foods.

The relationship between diet, digestive health, and physical performance is increasingly recognized, particularly among athletes. Probiotics and prebiotics have gained attention for their potential to enhance gut health and improve performance outcomes. However, limited research focuses on athletes’ perceptions and experiences with these dietary components.

This study aims to explore athletes' perceptions of probiotics and prebiotics concerning their digestive health and physical performance, addressing the existing gap in the literature regarding their specific impact on athletic populations.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 425 athletes from various sports disciplines in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing their consumption habits, awareness levels, beliefs about the effects of probiotics and prebiotics, and experiences with digestive health.

The findings revealed a mean frequency of consumption of probiotics at 3.93 (SD = 1.62) and prebiotics at 4.22 (SD = 0.95), with awareness levels of 2.89 (SD = 2.23) for probiotics and 2.88 (SD = 2.12) for prebiotics. Males reported significantly higher beliefs in the impact of probiotics (mean: 4.14, p = .0103) and prebiotics (mean: 4.23, p < .0001) on physical performance compared to females. Significant differences in awareness were noted based on competitive level, with professionals exhibiting the highest awareness scores (probiotics: 4.07, prebiotics: 4.44, p < .0001).

The study underscores the importance of personalized nutrition strategies for athletes, highlighting the need for tailored probiotic and prebiotic interventions to optimize digestive health and enhance performance.

Evaluation of the nutritional value of fish is critical because fish contain essential fatty acids. The hydrolysis process of fish oil is necessary to determine the fatty acids located at the sn-2 position on triglycerides. Essential fatty acids occupying the sn-2 position are very important to be identified because they are maximally absorbed in the digestive system. Research on the hydrolysis process of fish oil can be optimally conducted using Design Expert software to achieve a perfect hydrolysis percentage. This study aims to obtain optimal pH, temperature, and incubation time for % hydrolysis using Design Expert software. Furthermore, the marine fish should be evaluated based on the position of fatty acids.

Fish samples from the market included Sardinella pilchardus, Euthynnus affinis, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, and Thunnus sp.. The optimization of % hydrolysis was perfectly carried out using response surface methodology and Design Expert software. After obtaining the optimal pH, hydrolysis time, and temperature, hydrolysis was performed on marine fish samples. Analysis of fatty acid composition was conducted using gas chromatography.

The optimal results of the hydrolysis process were achieved at pH 8, a temperature of 50°C, and a duration of 8 hours and 30 minutes, with a hydrolysis percentage of 65.357 ± 1.047%.

The strong negative correlation between PUFA and both the ω6/ω3 ratio and thrombogenic index (TI) suggests that higher PUFA intake, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce inflammatory and thrombotic risks. Additionally, the positive association between PUFA and the P/S ratio supports the cardiovascular benefits of diets rich in polyunsaturated fats over saturated fats.

Evaluation of nutritional values based on fatty acids at the sn-2 position indicates that the marine fish with the best dietary levels are Euthynnus affinis, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Thunnus sp., and Sardinella pilchardus based on the IQN index.

Reducing global stunting rates is a critical focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly under the objectives of zero hunger, good health and well-being. Indonesia has set a target to reduce the prevalence of stunting to 14%. However, as of 2023, the national prevalence remains at 21.5%, with East Java, a densely populated region, reporting a rate of 19.2%. This study aimed to identify risk factors for nutritional problems among infants and toddlers in East Java to guide region-specific interventions and serve as a global model for addressing stunting and nutritional issues.

Data was collected from provincial health registries and analysed for trends and associations using STATA18 and spatial distribution using QGIS3.34. Factors examined included community participation, ferrous supplementation during pregnancy, newborn birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding rates, vitamin A supplementation, and child nutritional status monitoring.

While the prevalence of underweight, stunted, and wasted children showed a decreasing trend, critical factors such as ferrous supplementation in pregnant women, exclusive breastfeeding rates, and vitamin A supplementation also exhibited declines. Early and exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation were significantly associated with underweight status.

Improvements in child nutritional status coexist with persistent challenges, including suboptimal breastfeeding practices, declining vitamin A supplementation, and pandemic-related healthcare disruptions, necessitating reinforced health systems and targeted interventions to attain national and SDGs targets.

Strengthening nutritional and health services in high-burden areas could improve outcomes in East Java and offer a replicable framework for addressing stunting and malnutrition globally.

Microplastics (MP) are commonly found in food and water, leading to their ingestion through daily diets. MP particles smaller than 150 µm can cross the intestinal epithelium, posing potential health risks. Rapid excretion of MPs from the intestines may help reduce these risks.

Fermented plant extract (FPE) is a rich source of nutrients and active substances, which promote gut health and relieve constipation. To evaluate the MP-excluding potential of FPE, it was suspended in artificial gastric or intestinal juices, followed by the addition of 100 mg of MP particles, which remained floating in the solution. After shaking for 1 hour at 37°C, the floating MP particles were collected and weighed. The excluded weight was calculated by subtracting the weight of the floating MP particles from the initial 100 mg.

The weights of non-floating MP particles (diameter: 106–125 μm) in artificial gastric juice mixed with 10, 5, 2.5, and 1 g of FPE were 73 ± 0.3, 74 ± 1.7, 63 ± 1.5, and 31 ± 1.5 mg, respectively. In artificial intestinal juice, the values were 45 ± 2.3, 55 ± 1.2, 43 ± 1.2, and 16 ± 2.6 mg, respectively. The weights of non-floating particles with a diameter of 250-300 μm were significantly lower than those with a diameter of 106-125 μm.

FPE exhibited greater effectiveness in acidic gastric juice, suggesting that certain MP-binding components in FPE become ionized under acidic conditions, thereby enhancing ionic interactions with microplastics. Smaller MP particles were bound more effectively than larger ones, likely due to their relatively greater surface area.

FPE facilitates MP exclusion from the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the risk of intestinal absorption.

Moringa oleifera and honey are nutrient-rich local foods with the potential to combat malnutrition. Combining them may enhance their synergistic effects, offering a holistic nutritional solution.

This study assessed the impact of Moringa oleifera plus royal jelly (MRJ) capsules on the weight, height, and nutritional status of toddlers in high-stunting coastal areas of Tojo Una-Una District.

A quasi-experimental design was used, with an intervention group receiving 500 mg of MRJ capsules daily for three months, and a control group with similar baseline characteristics. The study involved six high-stunting villages, with nutrition workers monitoring compliance. Height and weight were measured using standardized tools, while dietary intake was assessed via 24-hour recall. Data were analyzed using WHO Anthro 2006, NutriSurvey 2007, and JASP.

Baseline characteristics and food intake were similar between groups. Post-intervention, significant differences were observed in weight (9.00±1.29 kg vs. 8.45±0.93 kg, p=0.042) and height (76.57±3.43 cm vs. 74.23±5.30 cm, p=0.041). The intervention group also showed greater improvements in weight gain (0.99 ± 1.3 kg vs. 0.26 ± 0.7 kg, p < 0.005) and height increase (5.01 ± 2.8 cm vs. 2.83 ± 4.2 cm, p = 0.019). Additionally, HAZ scores improved significantly in the intervention group (-1.96 ± 1.24 to -1.55 ± 0.96, p = 0.027).

The findings align with previous research highlighting Moringa’s role in combating malnutrition. However, limitations include the non-RCT design, lack of a placebo group, and small sample size.

MRJ supplementation significantly improved weight, height, and HAZ in toddlers, suggesting its potential as a nutritional intervention in areas prone to stunting. Further randomized trials are recommended to validate these results.

Approximately 25% of the global population experiences anemia, with preschool-aged children accounting for nearly 50% of these instances. Cuttlefish (Sepia sp.) is a mollusk species used as a food ingredient due to its high nutritional value and potential nutraceutical effects. The present study examines the hematopoietic effect of cuttlefish ink in anemic rats.

Anemia was induced by administering phenylhydrazine (PHZ) intraperitoneally at a dose of 40mg/kg for two consecutive days. Rats were then divided into three groups (n = 6 each): control, anemia, and Sepia ink treatment (200mg/kg orally for six days).

Sepia ink contains many phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Administration of Sepia ink resulted in a significant improvement in hematological parameters, liver enzymes, serum proteins, iron concentration, kidney biomarkers, antioxidant system, and DNA integrity. Histopathological examination revealed a marked restoration of liver and kidney architecture following Sepia ink administration. Additionally, the Prussian blue stain demonstrated inhibition of hemosiderin expression in liver and kidney tissues. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed reduced TNF-α expression in the liver and kidney following Sepia ink treatment.

The hematopoietic mechanisms of Sepia ink encompass the enhancement of iron metabolism, stimulation of the antioxidant system, suppression of inflammation, and inhibition of apoptosis.

Creatine is a semi-essential nutrient involved in cellular bioenergetics. While its effects on energy metabolism are well established, its potential influence on appetite regulation remains unclear. This study examined the association between dietary creatine intake and serum leptin levels in a nationally representative U.S. population.

Data were analyzed from NHANES III (1988–1994), including 6,415 participants who completed a 24-hour dietary recall and had fasting serum leptin levels measured. Creatine intake (g/day) was estimated based on established food composition values. Serum leptin was quantified via radioimmunoassay. Multivariate regression models adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were used to assess associations.

The mean creatine intake was 0.91 ± 0.87 g/day, and the mean serum leptin concentration was 12.6 ± 11.8 µg/L. A significant inverse association was observed between dietary creatine intake and serum leptin levels (B = -1.586, P < 0.01), independent of age, gender, and BMI.

Higher dietary creatine intake is associated with lower circulating leptin concentrations, suggesting a potential role for creatine in the regulation of long-term energy balance through mechanisms that extend beyond its established effects on muscle metabolism.

Higher dietary creatine intake is associated with lower serum leptin levels, suggesting a potential role for creatine in appetite regulation. Further research is needed to clarify underlying mechanisms and causality.