{"title":"Folic Acid as a Potential Vitamin in Glycemic Control: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Gökçe Sueda Aydoğdu, Buket Akyakar, Zeynep Kalaycı, Ayda Uçar, Makbule Gezmen-Karadağ","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00565-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00565-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This systematic review aims to examine the relationship between serum folate level and folic acid supplements with glycemic control parameters (fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin level, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)) in adult individuals with current studies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, which was designed as a systematic review, the searches were performed on Web of Science, Science Direct, Medline, Wiley, and Cochrane Library databases between April 10, 2023, and May 10, 2023, and the searches were updated between October 16, 2023, and November 14, 2023. Of the 1855 studies obtained from the screening, 17 met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. The PROSPERO system registered the study protocol (ID: CRD42023472434).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Although no significant correlation was found between serum folate levels and glycemic control parameters in most of the cross-sectional studies included in this systematic review, most of the randomized controlled trials showed that glycemic control parameters (FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR) decreased significantly in the intervention group receiving folic acid supplementation compared to the control group. However, study durations were short, and HbA1c needed to be evaluated in most studies. This makes it difficult to get information about the long-term effects of folic acid supplementation. More comprehensive studies should be conducted to draw more precise conclusions about the relationship between folic acid levels and folic acid supplementation with glycemic control parameters.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"729-750"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142281694","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":"An Overview on the Effects of Some Carotenoids on Health: Lutein and Zeaxanthin.","authors":"Nevin Sanlier, Elif Yildiz, Ebru Ozler","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00579-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00579-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>In this review, the chemical properties, nutritional sources, absorption mechanisms, metabolism, biosynthesis and promising health-related benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin were emphasized and some recommendations for the future studies are suggested.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Lutein and zeaxanthin are phytochemical compounds in the carotenoid group and are synthesised only by plants. All mammals get lutein and zeaxanthin into their bodies by consuming plant-based foods. Especially leafy green vegetables, broccoli, pumpkin, cabbage, spinach and egg yolk are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin have potential health effects by preventing free radical formation, exhibiting protective properties against oxidative damage and reducing oxidative stress. These compounds have neuroprotective, cardioprotective, ophthalmological, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-osteoporosis, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial effects. The preventive properties of lutein and zeaxanthin against numerous diseases have attracted attention recently. Further clinical trials with large samples are needed to make generalisations in the prevention and treatment of diseases and to determine the appropriate doses and forms of lutein and zeaxanthin.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"828-844"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142281691","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":"Are the Effects of Bioactive Components on Human Health a Myth?: Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) from Exotic Fruits.","authors":"Nevin Sanlier, Zeynep Bengisu Ejder, Esra Irmak","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00572-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00572-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Black elderberry has come to the fore in recent years due to its health benefits. Black elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra L.), collected from natural sources, has a rich content of protein, vitamins, antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals as it contains conjugated and free forms of amino acids.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Black elderberry can prevent oxidative stress and reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases thanks to the polyphenols it contains. It can prevent diseases, stimulate the immune system, show an antitumor effect, and be effective in the course of disease processes by rising the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione. Since black elderberry is a promising food in terms of bioactive components, it is considered as promising to treat and prevent many diseases. However, it is not correct to prove its beneficial effects on the prevention of chronic diseases and to make generalisations. Therefore, there is a need of more comprehensive evidence-based clinical studies and data. This review examined current evidence and discussions about the health-related effects of black elderberry, which contains many biologically active components such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, as well as terpenes and lectins, and offered some suggestions on its use in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"815-827"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142281692","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":"Miracle Fruit, a Potential Taste-modifier to Improve Food Preferences: A Review.","authors":"Shashya Diyapaththugama, Getahun Fentaw Mulaw, Madiha Ajaz, Natalie Colson Shilton, Indu Singh, Rati Jani","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00583-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00583-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The miracle fruit contains the glycoprotein miraculin which can modify the taste perception of food and beverages at low pH conditions, altering the consumers' food preferences. This review aims to critically evaluate all available evidence on miracle fruit/ miraculin and taste modification and its potential role in improving food preferences.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Miracle fruit suppresses sourness and induces sweetness in acidic food/ beverages. At low pH conditions, miracle fruit enhances the sweet taste and decreases the perceived intensities of salty and bitter tastes in solutions. However, the role of miracle fruit in sweet, salty, and bitter food is not adequately studied. The above effects alter the food-liking scores in individual foods and mixed diets. Miracle fruit is a pH-dependent taste modifier with the potential to be used in food applications to improve consumer food preferences. Future research on the changes in food preferences with the optimum miraculin dose, food type, and intrapersonal variations in taste sensitivity is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"867-883"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11489218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142364748","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":"Effects of Caloric Restriction and Intermittent Fasting and Their Combined Exercise on Cognitive Functioning: A Review.","authors":"Junming Wang, Yifeng Rang, Chunhong Liu","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00570-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00570-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The impact of dietary habits on cognitive function is increasingly gaining attention. The review is to discuss how caloric restriction (CR) and intermittent fasting (IF) can enhance cognitive function in healthy states through multiple pathways that interact with one another. Secondly, to explore the effects of CR and IF on cognitive function in conditions of neurodegenerative diseases, obesity diabetes and aging, as well as potential synergistic effects in combination with exercise to prevent cognitively related neurodegenerative diseases.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>With age, the human brain ages and develops corresponding neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy, which in turn trigger cognitive impairment. Recent research indicates that the impact of diet and exercise on cognitive function is increasingly gaining attention. The benefits of exercise for cognitive function and brain plasticity are numerous, and future research can examine the efficacy of particular dietary regimens during physical activity when combined with diet which can prevent cognitive decline.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"691-700"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142139562","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}
Hesham R El-Seedi, Aida A Abd El-Wahed, Suzy Salama, Neveen Agamy, Hamud A Altaleb, Ming Du, Aamer Saeed, Alessandro Di Minno, Daijie Wang, Maria Daglia, Zhiming Guo, Hongcheng Zhang, Shaden A M Khalifa
{"title":"Natural Remedies and Health; A Review of Bee Pollen and Bee Bread Impact on Combating Diabetes and Obesity.","authors":"Hesham R El-Seedi, Aida A Abd El-Wahed, Suzy Salama, Neveen Agamy, Hamud A Altaleb, Ming Du, Aamer Saeed, Alessandro Di Minno, Daijie Wang, Maria Daglia, Zhiming Guo, Hongcheng Zhang, Shaden A M Khalifa","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00567-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00567-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of the review: </strong>Diabetes and obesity are complicated multifactorial conditions that have been highlighted as a significant global burden for both health care and national budgets and their complications are considered a substantial public health concern. This review focuses on the potential anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties of bee pollen (BP) and bee bread (BB), two bee products with a long history of use in traditional medicine and supplemental nutrition.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies, encompassing cellular models, experimental models, and clinical trials, have shed light on the therapeutic potential of these bee products. BP and BB are rich in phytochemical constituents like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are believed to confer their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties. These bee products have shown promising results in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, underscoring their potential as natural therapeutic tools. BP and BB possess properties that aid in decreasing blood glucose levels and body weight. BP and BB have been found to enhance insulin sensitivity, alleviate oxidative stress, regulate appetite, adjust levels of hormones linked to obesity, while bolstering anti-oxidant defense systems. BP and BB nutritional qualities and health benefits make them promising candidates for further research towards diabetes and obesity treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"751-767"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142281695","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":"Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Female Reproductive Function: A Review of Animal and Human Studies.","authors":"Lei Mao, Aixia Liu, Xiaohui Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00569-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00569-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Intermittent fasting has gained significant attention, yet a comprehensive understanding of its impact on female reproductive health is lacking. This review aims to fill this gap by examining various intermittent fasting regimens and their effects on female reproductive function, along with potential mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>In healthy non-overweight/obese or pregnant animal models, alternate-day fasting (ADF) and an 8-h time-restricted feeding (TRF) window may have adverse effects on reproductive function. However, these regimens show potential to mitigate negative consequences induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) or environmental exposure. A 10-h TRF demonstrates benefits in improving fertility in both normal-weight and HFD-fed animal models. In women with overweight/obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the 5:2 diet and TRF significantly reduce the free androgen index while elevating sex hormone binding globulin, promising improvements in menstrual regulation. For pregnant Muslim women, available data do not strongly indicate adverse effects of Ramadan fasting on preterm delivery, but potential downsides to maternal weight gain, neonatal birthweight, and long-term offspring health need consideration. Factors linking intermittent fasting to female reproductive health include the circadian clock, gut microbiota, metabolic regulators, and modifiable lifestyles. Drawing definitive conclusions remains challenging in this evolving area. Nonetheless, our findings underscore the potential utility of intermittent fasting regimens as a therapeutic approach for addressing menstruation irregularities and infertility in women with obesity and PCOS. On the other hand, pregnant women should remain cognizant of potential risks associated with intermittent fasting practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"786-799"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142343262","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":"Systematic Review of the Effects of Sparkling Water Consumption on Blood Pressure.","authors":"Héctor Santana-Ramos, Javier Batista","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00562-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00562-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>At present, almost all national health agencies and professional societies recommend reducing dietary sodium to lower blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke. The scientific community has questioned these recommendations multiple times. However, the institutions have clarified that the evidence supporting the reduction of sodium intake remains strong. This review is an examination of the literature on the impact of carbonated water consumption on the blood pressure of hypertensive patients RECENT FINDINGS: Current literature focuses on the act of ingestion and the immediate post-consumption periods, highlighting the significant role of the nervous system on blood pressure increase. This differs from earlier literature, which predominantly focused on hypotheses surrounding the nutritional components responsible for elevated blood pressure Research findings remains uncertainty regarding whether hypertensive patients should avoid the consumption of sparkling water. To contextualize these results, we discuss potential physiological mechanisms, recommendations from relevant organizations, and variations in methodologies and study designs. In conclusion, the question of whether hypertensive patients should steer clear of sparkling water remains unanswered.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"709-717"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141792178","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":"Plant-based Meat Analogs: Perspectives on Their Meatiness, Nutritional Profile, Environmental Sustainability, Acceptance and Challenges.","authors":"Zheng Yan, Chunhong Liu, Xiaohai Zhang, Chaoling Wen, Opeyemi Joshua Olatunji, Chi-Ching Lee, Tolulope Joshua Ashaolu","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00575-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00575-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Plant-based meat analogs (PBMAs) have been the subject of interest over the past few years due to consumers' demand for environmentally friendly, healthful, and non-animal-based foods. A better comprehension of the composition, structure, texture, nutrition, and sustainability of these PBMAs is necessary.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>This review articulates the protein sources and composition of PBMAs and their \"meatiness\" with respect to texture, structure, and flavor enhancement. The components used in the analogs, such as unsaturated fats, fibers, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and plant-based oils enriching their nutritional profile, are described. The study identifies the environmental and sustainability impact of PBMAs, as crucial to the survival and maintenance of biodiversity. More studies are warranted to scope and underscore the significance of the analogs and comprehend the texture or structure-function relationships. Further product development and testing thereof may ultimately result in quality meat analogs that respect meat taste, health and acceptance of consumers, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and current challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"921-936"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142343264","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":"The Relationship of Certain Diseases and Dietary Inflammatory Index in Older Adults: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Zeyneb Yildirim, Nevin Sanlier","doi":"10.1007/s13668-024-00566-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13668-024-00566-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>One of the important markers affecting aging processes is the increase in inflammatory markers. Many chronic diseases are associated with inflammation and chronic inflammation increases with aging. Inflammation can change with dietary components. Foods, compounds and nutrients that have anti-inflammatory or proinflammatory properties attract attention. According to the Dietary Inflammatory Index, positive scores are obtained if the nutrient has a proinflammatory effect on cytokines, and negative scores are obtained if it has an anti-inflammatory effect.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>A higher proinflammatory diet is associated with cardiometabolic diseases, neurodegenerative disease, cancers and musculoskeletal health and related mortality. In this study, its relationship with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome, musculoskeletal diseases, dementia, depression and cancer, which are more common in older adults and known to be associated with inflammation, was examined. Although studies involving under 65 years old are more prevalent, research involving older adults and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is more limited. It is known that chronic inflammation increases with aging. Diet is one of the factors affecting inflammation. In the light of these investigations, the topics of anti-inflammatory nutrition and DII for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases in older adults are strong and open to development topics of discussion. Despite the significant interest in the potential positive effects of anti-inflammatory nutrition on diseases, contributing to clearer evidence of its protective effects on health necessitates further randomized controlled trials, in vivo, in vitro, cell, animal, human and case-control studies for better risk assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":10844,"journal":{"name":"Current Nutrition Reports","volume":" ","pages":"768-785"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142125020","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}