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.

This study aimed to explore the use of tuna (Thunnus sp.) bone fishmeal to boost the nutritional value of brownies, with a particular focus on the benefits of calcium for pregnant women.

Incorporating tuna bone fishmeal into brownie recipes offered the potential to enhance both the sensory and nutritional qualities of this traditional product. The research investigated the organoleptic quality, proximate composition, and calcium content of brownies with added tuna bone fishmeal.

This study employed an experimental design involving three treatments: treatment A (tuna bone fishmeal 30 g: wheat flour 70 g), treatment B (tuna bone fishmeal 40 g: wheat flour 60 g), and treatment C (tuna bone fishmeal 50 g: wheat flour 50 g). Treatment C was selected for detailed analysis, and a hedonic test was conducted.

Treatment C, consisting of 50 g of tuna bone fishmeal and 50 g of wheat flour, was favored based on hedonic test results. Chemical analysis showed a water content of 11.48%, ash content of 5.21%, protein content of 12.73%, fat content of 8.28%, and calcium content of 32.25 mg/g. However, water and fat content did not meet Indonesia's national standard (SNI) for semi-moist cakes, including brownies.

Incorporating tuna bone fishmeal into brownies enhanced their calcium content, offering potential nutritional benefits, particularly for pregnant women. Sensory evaluations were positive, though further adjustments may be needed to meet SNI standards for semi-moist cakes.

The objective of this study is to identify the prioritization in the purchase of food during the confinement of the Mexican population.

Observational, analytical and cross-sectional study of 1,081 participants living in Mexico; an online, voluntary and anonymous survey was conducted. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were performed, and STATA 16 (Stata Corp LP) was used.

Significant differences were found according to nutritional status for sweets, fried foods, pizzas, sandwiches and sugary drinks. However, when these associations were adjusted for sociodemographic variables, they were no longer significant. It is shown that the high prioritization of tortillas increases the risk of being overweight and obese. When the analysis was conducted, this association was not significant. Nuts were directly associated with overweight or obesity. In contrast, bottled water is not directly linked to weight gain or loss.

Differences were found according to nutritional status in the prioritization of foods high in calories, fats, and sugars. However, this prioritization was different between people who did gain weight versus those who did not.

The primary objective of this open-label quasi-experimental pilot study was to investigate the effects of co-administered creatine and guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on esports performance, neuropsychological outcomes, and creatine status in young male esports athletes.

We explored the impact of a 4-week supplementation with a creatine and GAA mixture on esports performance in Dota 2™ game and post-game neuropsychological outcomes among young experienced male esports athletes (n = 10).

The intervention led to significant improvements, including a notable 30.1% increase in total scores for the final Dota 2™ game (P = 0.05), along with a 19.2% reduction in mean reaction time (P = 0.02), a 4.4% increase in accuracy (P = 0.05), and a 16.2% enhancement in executive control (P = 0.01).

The effectiveness of lower doses of creatine and guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) observed in our study may be attributed to the enhanced capacity of GAA to cross the blood–brain barrier, thereby facilitating sustained cerebral creatine synthesis and supporting the elevated energy demands associated with esports performance.

These preliminary findings indicate that the blend may be an effective performance-enhancing intervention in esports. However, the lack of a control group, the small sample size, and the short study duration limit the generalizability and robustness of the results.