{"title":"Zinc and Adipose Organ Dysfunction: Molecular Insights into Obesity and Metabolic Disorders.","authors":"Zahra Bahadoran, Fateme Ghafouri-Taleghani, Marijana Todorčević","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00709-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00709-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review explores the emerging role of zinc (Zn) as a critical regulator of adipose organ structure and function, highlighting how Zn-related molecular networks contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Experimental Zn-deficient models, and genetically-modified Zn-associated proteins, including Zn transporters [i.e., ZnTs (SLC30 family) and Zips (SLC39 family)], zinc-α<sub>2</sub>-glycoprotein (ZAG), metallothioneins (MTs), and zinc finger proteins (ZFPs), demonstrate that Zn is indispensable for maintaining adipose organ integrity. Loss of these proteins disrupts adipogenesis, promotes adipocyte hypertrophy, induces macrophage infiltration and M<sub>1</sub> polarization, and drives pathological visceral fat expansion, resulting in systemic metabolic dysregulation. Zn plays a pivotal role in preserving adipose organ health and systemic metabolic balance. Further investigation is needed to elucidate depot-specific effects of Zn and the coordinated roles of Zn-handling proteins in adipose tissue, which may open new avenues for therapeutic strategies against obesity and metabolic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"117"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145353955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mariana Del Carmen Fernández-Fígares Jiménez, Miguel López-Moreno
{"title":"Ultra-processed Plant Foods: Are They Worse than their Unprocessed Animal-Based Counterparts?","authors":"Mariana Del Carmen Fernández-Fígares Jiménez, Miguel López-Moreno","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00704-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00704-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of the review: </strong>This review aims to compare the impact of unprocessed animal foods with ultra-processed plant-based alternatives, particularly plant-based milks, plant-based meat analogs, and margarine, on cardiometabolic risk factors, chronic diseases, and mortality.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The ultra-processed food category is highly heterogeneous, encompassing products with varying ingredients and nutrient profiles. Plant-based milks, plant-based meat analogs, and margarine, typically classified as ultra-processed foods, differ markedly from their unprocessed animal-based counterparts: they do not contain cholesterol or heme iron, have lower concentrations of saturated fat, sulfur, and branched-chain amino acids, and provide dietary fiber, which is absent in animal-based foods. Replacing dairy milk with soymilk have been shown to reduce total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and C-reactive protein (CRP), and is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Compared to unprocessed animal-based products, plant-based meat analogs are associated with reductions in TC, LDL-C, body weight, plasma ammonia, and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO). Substituting butter with soft margarine reduces TC and LDL-C, and is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. While ultra-processed plant-based foods are less healthy than whole plant foods, they may offer better cardiometabolic outcomes than unprocessed animal-based products. As transitional tools, products such as plant-based milks, meat analogs, and margarine may facilitate dietary shifts. Public health guidance should reflect these nuances to support realistic, health-promoting transitions.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"115"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adolescent Nutrition and Health: a Critical Period for Nutritional Intervention to Prevent Long Term Health Consequences.","authors":"Janaki Parajuli, Pattaneeya Prangthip","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00706-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00706-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review aims to examine adolescent nutrition as a critical and often neglected component of global health agendas. Adolescence represents a period of rapid growth and development with increased nutritional and energy demands, remaining a 'hidden crisis' in nutritional health. The review explores the 'triple burden' of malnutrition affecting this population-undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition-and analyzes the individual, social, environmental, and socio-economic factors influencing adolescent nutritional status.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Poor nutrition during adolescence has been linked to both immediate and long-term health consequences, including micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and cardiometabolic conditions. Evidence suggests that adolescents' heightened receptivity to societal influences can be leveraged through targeted interventions. Family-led programs, environmental reforms, and comprehensive policy measures have shown promising results in promoting healthier nutritional behaviors among adolescents. The nutritional challenges facing adolescents require urgent attention through comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategies. Effective interventions during this critical developmental window can foster long-term health outcomes and help break intergenerational cycles of malnutrition. This review emphasizes the importance of prioritizing adolescent nutrition within global health initiatives to address this significant and often overlooked public health concern.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"116"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145343980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zegeye Abebe, Molla Mesele Wassie, Amy C Reynolds, Yohannes Adama Melaku
{"title":"Temporal Eating Patterns and Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Zegeye Abebe, Molla Mesele Wassie, Amy C Reynolds, Yohannes Adama Melaku","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00700-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-025-00700-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of the review: </strong>In addition to diet quality, which influences the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), temporal eating patterns, such as meal frequency, duration, regularity, and timing, may also play an important role. Recent studies have suggest that these eating patterns can influence CRC risk; however, dietary guidelines predominantly emphasise modifying the intake of specific food items to reduce risk and promote overall health. Additionally, comprehensive studies examining the relationship between temporal eating patterns and CRC risk are lacking. This review aimed to synthesise the available evidence on how temporal eating patterns may affect CRC risk and mortality. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ProQuest, ultimately including 20 relevant articles.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Higher eating frequency, particularly when involving unhealthy foods, along with skipping breakfast and increased snacking may elevate CRC risk. Furthermore, a short interval between the last meal and bedtime has been associated with an increased risk of CRC and related mortality. The findings suggest that a short interval between the last meal and bedtime may increase CRC risk, potentially through mechanisms such as circadian rhythm disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In addtion, higher meal frequency, particularly when coupled with an unhealthy diet, appears to further elevate the risk. Future research should employ standardised definitions and detailed assessment of 24-hour eating patterns to better elucidate their relationship with CRC outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"114"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12540529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145336640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nutritional Approaches and Supplementation in Lipedema Management: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence.","authors":"Ayca Aydin, Pelin Bilgic","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00705-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00705-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"113"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145312591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nutrition, Environment, and Genetics in Colorectal Cancer. Epigenetics and Possible Future Perspective.","authors":"Stefano Brandolino, Marica Franzago, Giovanna Murmura, Fabrizio Ricci, Valentina Gatta, Liborio Stuppia, Ester Vitacolonna","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00701-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-025-00701-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review provides an overview of the relationship among nutritional, environmental, and genetic factors in the development of the chronic inflammatory state, starting from the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) up to the onset of Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Finally, it also examines potential prospects and future topics of research taking into account the relation between nutrition and epigenetic factors.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Evidence indicates that genetic and lifestyle-related factors play a crucial role in CRC etiology. Dietary intake may induce epigenetic alterations which in turn, result in carcinogenesis. Several bioactive components can modify epigenetic mechanisms, required for gene activation or silencing, thus, representing a potential way of preventing CRC. The gene-diet interaction analysis suggested some functions and pathways that may affect the CRC development. In this view, personalized nutrition, which is an approach that combines with new omics technologies, could represent a new possible key for personalized prevention and treatment in association with other cancer prevention and chemotherapeutic therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"111"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12535513/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145312556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Vitamin C in Pregnancy: A Key Modulator of Fetal Growth and Epigenetic Stability.","authors":"Burcu Ersoy-Demiryurek, Makbule Gezmen-Karadag","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00708-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00708-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"112"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145312519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ultra-Processed Foods and Cardiometabolic Health: A Review of Current Evidence.","authors":"Nazlıcan Erdoğan Gövez, Eda Köksal","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00703-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00703-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Non-communicable diseases have become a greater global burden in recent years. An unhealthy diet is one of the primary behavioral factors that have been associated with cardiometabolic diseases. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have emerged as a predominant element of modern diets, prompting much concern regarding their effects on cardiometabolic health. This review aimed to examine the association UPF consumption and cardiometabolic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, by integrating results from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, meta-analyses, and mechanistic research.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The cost-effectiveness, prolonged shelf life, palatability, convenience, and marketing strategies of UPFs contribute to their overconsumption, substituting nutrient-rich meals with energy-dense, high-fat, high-sugar, and low-fiber alternatives. These dietary shifts disturb metabolic regulation, promote weight gain, and elevate the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. High consumption of UPFs has been consistently associated with greater obesity rates and a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases. Moreover, regular or over-consumption is associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which intensify the mechanisms contributing to cardiometabolic risk. The increasing body of evidence that establishes a correlation between the consumption of UPFs and cardiometabolic diseases emphasizes the pressing necessity of public health interventions to encourage healthier dietary habits and alleviate the global burden of non-communicable diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"110"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145250160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Preedhi Kapoor, Zubair Ahmad Parrey, Bilal Ahmad Mir, Ab Waheed Wani, Ritu Kumari, Gurseen Rakhra, Ridhi Joshi, Gurmeen Rakhra, Wajid Aslam Khan, Kasim Sakran Abass, Bodour S Rajab, Arshad Farid, Saad Alghamdi
{"title":"Flaxseed in Diabetes Management: Nutritional and Therapeutic Insights.","authors":"Preedhi Kapoor, Zubair Ahmad Parrey, Bilal Ahmad Mir, Ab Waheed Wani, Ritu Kumari, Gurseen Rakhra, Ridhi Joshi, Gurmeen Rakhra, Wajid Aslam Khan, Kasim Sakran Abass, Bodour S Rajab, Arshad Farid, Saad Alghamdi","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00696-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00696-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic disorder contributing to significant global health challenges. As interest in alternative therapies grows, flaxseed rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber has garnered attention for its potential role in diabetes management.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The reviewed literature suggested that various components present in flaxseeds are known to combat impaired carbohydrate metabolism including the other associated diabetic abnormalities like oxidative stress markers, inflammation, and hypercholesterolemia. Taken together, this review has highlighted the essential constituents of flaxseed and their potential mechanisms in reducing fasting blood glucose levels, alleviating oxidative stress, balancing lipid profiles, and regulating inflammatory markers in individuals with diabetes. Flaxseed, whether consumed whole or in various processed forms, may serve as a complementary therapy alongside conventional antidiabetic medications.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"109"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mega Obukohwo Oyovwi, Ejime A Chijiokwu, Benneth Ben-Azu, Emeka Williams Ugwuishi, Ejayeta Jeroh
{"title":"Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): A Promising Ally for Fertility.","authors":"Mega Obukohwo Oyovwi, Ejime A Chijiokwu, Benneth Ben-Azu, Emeka Williams Ugwuishi, Ejayeta Jeroh","doi":"10.1007/s13668-025-00694-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-025-00694-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The review intends to systematically evaluate the effects of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) on reproductive health, focusing on identifying active constituents, assessing therapeutic effects on hormones and reproductive organs, and exploring its impact on both female and male fertility.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent investigations suggest that Shatavari has the potential to enhance fertility rates and improve breast milk quality and quantity, making it important for postpartum care. Preliminary findings also indicate positive outcomes for male fertility, but more clinical trials are needed. Shatavari shows promise for fertility enhancement due to its active compounds like saponins and flavonoids. However, further comprehensive clinical studies are necessary to confirm its effects, establish safety profiles, especially for male fertility, and guide its effective integration into modern fertility treatments. It is also crucial for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consult healthcare professionals before using Shatavari due to potential interactions and contraindications.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":"108"},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145091121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}