Current Developments in Nutrition最新文献

{"title":"North American Urban Indigenous Food Systems","authors":"Christine Bruno,&nbsp;Clifton Bruno,&nbsp;Alexandria Cruz,&nbsp;Sara Moncada,&nbsp;Kaitlyn Patterson,&nbsp;Brooke Rodriguez,&nbsp;Dave Skene,&nbsp;Hannah Neufeld","doi":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2025.104542","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2025.104542","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>These compiled stories were shared as part of a moderated panel during the Sixth Annual Conference on Native American Nutrition that was held in September 2023 at Mystic Lake Center on the lands of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community within present day Prior Lake, Minnesota. Other members of the North American Urban Indigenous Food System network supported by the University of Waterloo and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations were also invited to contribute their perspectives on the inspiring community-led work that is taking place within their respective urban spaces and places across Turtle Island. Network members shared the unique circumstances associated with finding spaces and places of connection and belonging in the city and how practices of Indigenous food sovereignty through knowledge sharing and ecological responsibilities provide healing through relationship.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 104542"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149013945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Introduction to the Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Conference on Native American Nutrition","authors":"Mindy S Kurzer","doi":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109404","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109404","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 109404"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149013721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of ω-3 Supplementation on Biochemical, Clinical, and Inflammatory Parameters in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis","authors":"Jessica Paola Loaiza-Giraldo,&nbsp;Rocío Valdivia-Arroyo,&nbsp;Valentina Greve-Quezada,&nbsp;Alonso Quivira-Muñoz,&nbsp;Orlando Silva-Perez,&nbsp;Trinidad Soublette-Tocornal,&nbsp;Alejandro Bruna-Mejias,&nbsp;Pablo Nova-Baeza,&nbsp;Mathias Orellana-Donoso,&nbsp;Maria P Moya,&nbsp;Juan Sanchis-Gimeno,&nbsp;Vitor E Valenti,&nbsp;Maria Piagkou,&nbsp;Marko Konschake,&nbsp;Juan José Valenzuela-Fuenzalida","doi":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Omega-3 (<em>n</em>–3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, including marine-derived eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, as well as plant-derived formulations rich in α-linolenic acid, have been proposed as adjunctive therapy in diabetes because of their potential effects on lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroprotection. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science through January 2026. Outcomes included lipid parameters, glycemic markers, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, and corneal nerve branch density (CNBD). Random-effects models were applied. Eleven trials met the criteria for quantitative synthesis. Pooled analyses showed no significant effects on triglycerides, low-density or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, or inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, with substantial heterogeneity across several outcomes. In contrast, fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were significantly reduced with low heterogeneity, and CNBD showed a consistent improvement with no detectable heterogeneity, suggesting potential benefits for insulin sensitivity and small-fiber nerve integrity. Overall, the certainty of evidence ranged from very low to low, mainly because of heterogeneity, imprecision, and small sample sizes. ω-3 supplementation demonstrated limited effects on most metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in diabetes. Observed improvements in insulin sensitivity indices and CNBD warrant further investigation in adequately powered trials with longer follow-up. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 8","pages":"Article 109439"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148733635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status of Urban School-Children and Adult Females of Reproductive Age in Côte d’Ivoire","authors":"Katie Ayling,&nbsp;Kim Maasen,&nbsp;Marleen de Jonge,&nbsp;Amoin Georgette Konan,&nbsp;Georges Tiahou,&nbsp;Mory Gbane,&nbsp;Ingeborg Bovee-Oudenhoven,&nbsp;Alida Melse-Boonstra,&nbsp;Elise F Talsma","doi":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109419","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109419","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Diet strongly influences nutritional status, contributing to the coexistence of undernutrition and excess weight in many low- and middle-income countries. In Côte d’Ivoire, however, dietary patterns and their relationship to nutritional status are not well characterized, limiting evidence-based interventions addressing the dual burden of malnutrition.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aims to <em>1</em>) identify dietary patterns among urban Ivorian schoolchildren and adult females of reproductive age, <em>2</em>) assess diet quality by pattern, and <em>3</em>) characterize the sociodemographic factors and nutritional status of individuals within each pattern.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional dietary survey in 4 cities (Bouaké, Daloa, Abengourou, and Yopougon). Dietary data were collected through one 24-h recall from 443 children (6–12 y) and 441 adult females (15–49 y); a second recall was administered to 12% of participants. Dietary patterns were derived using latent class analysis. Associations with nutritional status, sociodemographic indicators, diet quality, diet diversity, and nutrient adequacy (Probability of Adequacy) were examined using the 3-step bias-adjusted approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four dietary patterns were identified for each group. Two were found in both children and adult females (“Fish, oil, and vegetables” and “Dairy and sweet”), whereas children had “Poultry and fruit” and “Refined, red meat, and vegetable” patterns, and adult females had “Poultry, red meat, and fruit” and “Low energy intake” patterns. The fish and dairy patterns, more common in Bouaké and Daloa, were associated with lower education levels (and with occupation, housing, and dependent children among adult females only), yet showed higher diet quality, characterized by greater dietary diversity and nutrient adequacy. In contrast, the poultry (children) and low-intake (adult females) patterns showed poorer dietary diversity and nutrient adequacy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Dietary patterns among urban Ivorian children and adult females were largely comparable. Promoting familiar, fish- and vegetable-based diets may enhance nutrient adequacy. The early stage of nutrition transition suggests a window of opportunity for preventive policy action.</div><div>This trial was registered at <span><span>clinicaltrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> as NCT06175130.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 8","pages":"Article 109419"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148660215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Support for an Added-Sugar Menu-Labeling Policy among Key United States Population Groups in a Cross-Sectional Sample","authors":"Brittany Lemmon,&nbsp;Alexandria E Reimold,&nbsp;Aviva A Musicus,&nbsp;Christina A Roberto,&nbsp;Sarah Sorscher,&nbsp;DeAnna Nara,&nbsp;Marissa G Hall,&nbsp;Susan D Brown,&nbsp;Lauren E Au,&nbsp;Jennifer Falbe","doi":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Experiments have shown that added-sugar warning labels on restaurant menus reduce the added-sugar content of meal selections. Consequently, New York City mandated the first added-sugar warning labels on chain restaurant menus, and other United States jurisdictions are pursuing similar policies. These policies could be especially beneficial for priority populations at higher risk of diet-related diseases. However, little is known about public support for restaurant added-sugar warning label policies among the populations that might benefit the most from the labels.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This research aimed to assess support by demographic and health-related characteristics for an added-sugar menu-labeling policy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We assessed support for a policy requiring added-sugar warning labels on restaurant menus among 15,275 United States adults in an online cross-sectional convenience sample recruited to match national sociodemographic distributions. We described and examined differences in support by participant characteristics using bivariate and multivariable regressions (multivariable results described below).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Across all characteristics examined, there was majority support (range: 54%–87%) for a potential added-sugar warning label policy for chain restaurant menus, followed by no opinion (range: 8%–32%) with few opposing (range: 0%–19%). There was significantly higher support among those with prediabetes (82% compared with 71% among those without prediabetes) and those trying to reduce their added-sugar consumption (81% compared with 54%; all <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In contrast, individuals with lower compared with higher income (66% compared with 79%) and lower compared with higher educational attainment (67% compared with 78%) showed lower levels of support (all <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Some groups had large shares of “no opinion” responses, such as those not trying to reduce added-sugar intake (32%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Across all subpopulations examined, majority supported an added-sugar warning label policy. Support was higher among those with prediabetes and those trying to reduce their added-sugar consumption. Added-sugar restaurant menu-warning labels are widely supported across groups defined by demographic and health-related characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 8","pages":"Article 109442"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148733237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Evidence to Action: Addressing Micronutrient Gaps among Women of Reproductive Age in Malawi Using the Comprehensive Nutrient Gap Assessment Framework","authors":"Zione Kalumikiza-Chikumbu,&nbsp;Bridget Mkama-Maliya,&nbsp;Gareth Osman,&nbsp;Alexander A Kalimbira","doi":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite limited and irregular micronutrient data collection in resource-poor countries like Malawi, existing evidence remains underutilized despite its potential to guide policies and programs addressing persistently high micronutrient deficiencies.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study applied the Comprehensive Nutrient Gap Assessment (CONGA) methodology to identify priority micronutrient gaps among Malawian women of reproductive age (WRA) and to determine locally available foods capable of substantially contributing to closing these gaps.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The assessment followed CONGA procedures and included the following: <em>1</em>) a systematic review of existing micronutrient data; <em>2</em>) weighted scoring of available evidence using criteria of recency, representativeness, relevance, and sample size; <em>3</em>) quantitative and qualitative evaluation of nutrient burden; and <em>4</em>) classification of each nutrient as having a clear (consistent evidence) or potential (inconclusive evidence) gap. To identify food-based solutions, household consumption data from the 2019‒2020 Malawi Fifth Integrated Household Survey (<em>n</em> = 9296 WRA households) were analyzed using the adult female equivalent metric to determine locally available foods with the potential to provide ≥50% of WRA micronutrient requirements per 100 g edible portion.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Clear micronutrient gaps were identified for calcium, iron, selenium, and zinc, whereas potential gaps were found for vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and phosphorus. Small fish, gathered wild greens, and dairy emerged as nutrient-dense foods capable of addressing several of these gaps; however, their current consumption remains low. Cereals and vegetables constituted the most consumed foods among WRA households, yet they were insufficient to meet requirements.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Substantial micronutrient gaps persist among Malawian WRA, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve access to and intake of nutrient-rich foods. Priority actions include strengthening nutrition education and dietary diversification, increasing the availability and affordability of nutrient-dense foods, and expanding fortification and biofortification initiatives. Further research is required to clarify the burden associated with micronutrients classified as having potential gaps.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 8","pages":"Article 109436"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148734027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of Meals with Culinary Doses of Herbs and Spices on Postprandial Endothelial Function, Lipemia, and Glycemia after 4-Week Exposure to Herb- and Spice-Containing Diets: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized, Crossover, Controlled-Feeding Study","authors":"Janhavi J Damani,&nbsp;Penny M Kris-Etherton,&nbsp;Connie J Rogers,&nbsp;David N Proctor,&nbsp;Kristin M Davis,&nbsp;Kristina S Petersen","doi":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109441","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109441","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Intake of herbs and spices improves postprandial responses; however, the acute effects of herbs and spices following longer-term exposure are unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This secondary analysis aimed to examine the effect of meals containing 0.6 g (low), 3.7 g (moderate), and 7.4 g (high) of herbs and spices following intake of a diet with a similar daily amount of herbs and spices to the test meal on postprandial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), lipemia, and glycemia in adults at risk for cardiometabolic disease.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The parent trial was a 3-period, randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding study. Participants consumed an average American diet containing low (0.5 g/2100 kcal/d), moderate (3.3 g/2100 kcal/d), and high (6.6 g/2100 kcal/d) doses of herbs and spices for 4 wk each (≥2-wk washout). At baseline and the end of each diet period, participants underwent a meal test (1192 kcal; 49% carbohydrates, 16% saturated fat). At baseline, the low-spice meal was provided, and at the end of each diet period, the meal contained herbs and spices at a dose that corresponded to that consumed during the preceding diet period. FMD (primary outcome) was measured at fasting and at 120 and 240 min after test meal intake. Triglycerides, glucose, and insulin were measured fasting and up to 240 min from test meal consumption. Between-condition effects were assessed using linear mixed-effect models.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analytical sample included 43 adults (65% male; age: 48 ± 11 y; BMI: 28.9 ± 2.8 kg/m²). No between-condition differences were observed for FMD, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin (condition-by-time interaction, <em>P &gt;</em> 0.05). The total area under the curve (AUC) for triglycerides and glucose did not differ between conditions. The insulin AUC was lower after the low-spice meal than the moderate-spice meal (mean fold difference: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.82, 0.96, <em>P</em> = 0.011).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>After 4 weeks of herb and spice exposure, postprandial FMD, lipemia, and glycemia did not differ with acute intake of culinary doses of herbs and spices as part of a higher-carbohydrate, high-saturated-fat meal.</div><div>This trial is registered at <span><span>clinicaltrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> as NCT03063320 (February 21, 2017; <span><span>https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03063320</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 8","pages":"Article 109441"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148733634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contents Page","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S2475-2991(26)01824-X","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S2475-2991(26)01824-X","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 109459"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149013720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lessons Learned from Implementing Culturally Sensitive Adaptations to a Nutrition Education Program in Four Anishinaabe Communities","authors":"Erin MB Tigue,&nbsp;Dawn S Earnesty,&nbsp;Ronald L Gibbs Jr.,&nbsp;Beth I Sieloff","doi":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104496","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.104496","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The Anishinaabe ways of eating healthy and staying physically active are not well represented in federally funded health education programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). The curricula approved for use by SNAP-Ed implementing agencies were not developed with Anishinaabe foods, cultures, and traditions in mind.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This paper shares the process and lessons learned from a collaborative effort to adapt recipes from a SNAP-Ed-approved nutrition and cooking education program, Cooking Matters at Home (CMAH), to reflect cultural preferences and traditions of participants from 4 Anishinaabe tribal communities in Michigan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>University Extension instructors, Tribal health staff, and an intertribal organization codesigned and implemented the adaptation. Extension instructors facilitated 4 separate series of cooking and nutrition classes using CMAH curriculum with 4 Tribes. A descriptive, cross-sectional evaluation design focused on participant engagement and recipe adaptation. Evaluation included formative interviews with Tribal health staff, postintervention community participant focus groups to assess program satisfaction and cultural acceptability of adaptations, and process interviews with Extension instructors and Tribal health staff.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Between October 3 and December 7, 2022, classes reached 30 adults across 4 sites. The mean class size was 7–8 participants. Eighty-six percent of participants attended every class session offered in their community. Eight recipes were adapted to include traditional foods (e.g., wild rice and maple syrup); 11 were prepared as written. A challenge was access and availability of some traditional recipe ingredients. Participants expressed a range of food knowledge and behaviors that reflect diverse histories and cultures within each community. Tribal staff and participants suggested that Extension instructors build rapport with community members, approach activities and participants with curiosity rather than sharing \"expert\" advice, implement more continuous programming, and improve cultural sensitivity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>SNAP-Ed programs should support access to local Indigenous foods and make space for both community and individual traditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 104496"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149013941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Local High-Protein, Plant-Based Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food Enhances Recovery from Malnutrition in Rats","authors":"Aurélie Bechoff,&nbsp;Peter Akomo,&nbsp;Laura Utume,&nbsp;Molly Muleya,&nbsp;Aviv Schneider,&nbsp;Mona Khalaf,&nbsp;Anastasios D Tsaousis,&nbsp;Charoula Konstantia Nikolaou,&nbsp;Ram Reifen,&nbsp;Andrew Westby,&nbsp;Efrat Monsonego-Ornan","doi":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.109437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Infant or child malnutrition is a major public health issue. With global funding cuts and increasing incidence because of conflicts and climate change, finding cost effective and sustainable solutions is highly needed.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>We conducted a preclinical study to mimic child acute malnutrition (AM) and evaluate recovery using a novel plant-based ready-to-use-therapeutic food (RUTF) made from locally available ingredients from sub-Saharan Africa.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Three-week-old rats were assigned to a 6-wk experiment consisting of a 3-wk induction phase, followed by a 3-wk dietary intervention phase. During the induction phase, the rats received either a balanced diet (control) or a protein-deficient diet (to induce malnutrition). For the subsequent intervention phase, both the control and malnourished rats were switched to either a commercial peanut milk (PM) RUTF or a locally produced plant-based chickpea–sorghum–maize–soybean (ChSMS) RUTF, or remained on the same diet as the induction phase.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with the PM formulation, the ChSMS formulation provided a higher protein content (14% compared with 10% of total energy) and greater protein quality (Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score of 87% compared with 69%, respectively). ChSMS was consumed in higher amounts by the rats and resulted in significantly greater body weight and length as compared with PM. In malnourished animals, ChSMS led to catch-up growth, whereas PM did not.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings indicate that a locally produced, culturally acceptable, and affordable plant-based RUTF formulated with high protein quality and density may be effective in treating AM in children. Moreover, the observed reversal of stunting and subsequent catch-up growth indicate that this formulation may also be efficacious as a lipid-based supplement in addressing chronic malnutrition.</div><div>This trial was registered at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) Authority for Biological and Biomedical Models <span><span>https://animals.huji.ac.il/</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>; <span><span>https://animals.huji.ac.il/form/request-perform-research-animals-decision-if-specified-research-experiment-animals-defined-law</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> (ABBMS) as Ethics Number AG-22-16962-3.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":10756,"journal":{"name":"Current Developments in Nutrition","volume":"10 8","pages":"Article 109437"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148733633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}