Food & Nutrition Research最新文献

{"title":"The Educational Gradient in the Adherence to the Healthy Nordic Food Index Among Adult Men and Women in Tromsø: The Tromsø study 2015-2016.","authors":"Nadine El Rashidi, Ainhoa Ugarteche-Perez, Erlend Hoftun Farbu, Raphaële Castagné, Tom Wilsgaard, Sameline Grimsgaard, Marc Chadeau-Hyam, Dragana Vuckovic, Torkjel M Sandanger, Cyrille Delpierre, Michelle Kelly-Irving, Lola Neufcourt","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v70.12632","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v70.12632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a well-established relation between socioeconomic position (SEP) and diet. People with lower SEPs tend to eat high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, while those with a higher SEP tend to consume foods associated with better health. However, the underlying mechanisms are yet to be understood.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the association between education and the Healthy Nordic Food Index (HNFI) in men and women in Tromsø, and investigate the role of three intermediate variables: household income, subjective occupational social status, and self-rated health.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Dietary information from Food Frequency Questionnaires were used to construct the HNFI based on six food items and categorised as low, medium, and high adherence. Education and intermediate variables were self-reported. Multinomial logistic regression models stratified by sex were performed to assess the association between education and the HNFI among 8,610 women and 6,896 men aged 40-99 years.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median intake of all food items increased across categories of the HNFI for all participants. High adherers to the HNFI were slightly older, more educated, had higher household income, perceived their occupational social status as high, and rated their health as good/excellent. We observed an educational gradient in the adherence to the HNFI where men (odds ratios [OR] _TertiaryLong 1.92 [95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.47-2.5]) and women (OR _TertiaryLong 2.35 [1.94-2.85]) with higher education had higher odds of adhering to the HNFI compared to those with primary education. Household income partly attenuated this gradient in men only.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The association between education and adherence to the HNFI followed an educational gradient, which was partly attenuated by income in men but not in women. Our study highlights potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between education and diet. A deeper understanding of socioeconomic disparities in healthy eating is crucial for enhancing overall nutrition, especially among the socially disadvantaged.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"70 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Salubrious effects of <i>Ficus carica</i> L. leaves extract in inflammation, diabetes, and obesity: An in-vitro, in-silico, and in-vivo study.","authors":"Syed Zia Ul Hasnain, Maryam Ahmed, Adeola Tawakalitu Kola-Mustapha, Jahanzeb Mudassir, Ambreen Aleem, Iqra Islam, Adnan Amin, Khizar Abbas, Asad Saleem Sial","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v70.11024","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v70.11024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Various traditional medicinal systems have utilized the plant-based remedies for addressing the diverse ailments worldwide. Hence, this study aimed to scientifically explore the biological and phytochemical potential of <i>Ficus carica</i> L. leaves. This investigation encompassed the assessments of flavonoids, total phenolic contents, as well as physicochemical and phytochemical properties. Antioxidant potential was evaluated through hydrogen peroxide, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while anti-inflammatory effects were determined <i>via</i> proteinase inhibition, bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation, and heat-induced hemolysis assays. Additionally, antiglycation potential was assessed through free carbonyl group estimation, fructosamine, and Congo-red assays. The impact on diabetes mellitus, obesity, and renal and hepatic functions was investigated using the high-fat high-sugar diet model. Advanced analytical techniques including Fourier-transform infrared, high-performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were employed to identify the active secondary metabolites present in the <i>F. carica</i> L. leaf extract. Molecular docking and absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion-toxicity analyses were performed by different computational methods. Results revealed that substantial levels of total flavonoids (123 mg rutin equivalents/g) and phenolic content (333 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) along with promising antioxidant activity (IC₅₀: 0.58 mg/mL for DPPH assay, 35.6% inhibition for H₂O₂ assay, and FRAP value of 88.769 µg/g Fe₂SO₄ solution) were found. Notably, <i>F. carica</i> L. leaf extract exhibited the significant inhibition in heat-induced hemolysis (55 ± 0.03%), proteinase activity (28 ± 0.01%), and BSA denaturation (51.2 ± 0.05%). Furthermore, it exhibited the significant therapeutic effects on the biomarkers related to diabetes mellitus, obesity, liver, and kidney functions. Chemical analyses unveiled the presence of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, thymoquinone, rutin, coumarin, as well as terpenoids, alkaloids, coumarins, and flavonoids. The key findings suggest that <i>F. carica</i> L. leaf extract holds significant potential as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic agent.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"70 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952216/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147347926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Indole-3-carbinol ameliorates ER stress-mediated hyperleptinemia in western diet-fed apoE^-/- mice.","authors":"Hyun Ju Kim","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v70.12263","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v70.12263","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress during overnutrition causes leptin resistance in obese animals and humans. ER stress induces the activation of the unfolded protein response, which disrupts the leptin signaling pathway, accelerating atherosclerosis development and its complications.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) improves metabolic dysfunction in diet-induced obesity; however, its role in protecting against ER stress-induced hyperleptinemia remains unclear. Herein, we explored whether dietary I3C alleviates ER stress in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE^-/-) mice fed a western diet (WD).</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>ApoE^-/- mice were fed either WD (60 kcal from fat, <i>n</i> = 10) or WD supplemented with 0.05% I3C (w/w, <i>n</i> = 10) for 12 weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>I3C supplementation (0.05%) resulted in reduced adipose tissue weight and plasma leptin levels compared with those in WD-fed apoE^-/- mice after 12 weeks. I3C also significantly decreased the protein expression of ER stress markers, whereas increased the mRNA expression of genes related to cholesterol efflux and fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver, despite no changes in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced aortic localization of glucose-related protein 78 compared with the WD group, suggesting that I3C partially alleviated ER stress in atherosclerotic lesions of WD-fed apoE^-/- mice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>I3C may serve as a feasible compound for preventing atherosclerosis and its associated complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"70 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952215/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147347886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of the immunoregulatory mechanisms of total saponins from black ginseng.","authors":"Kuo Wang, Jiating Li, Liyan Huang, Mingran Luan, Chao Liu, Bao Zhong, Fenglin Li","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v70.13372","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v70.13372","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to elucidate the immune-regulating effects and underlying mechanisms of action of total saponins extracted from black ginseng in an immunosuppressed murine model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The chemical composition of black ginseng total saponins (BGTS) was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, which revealed a high content of rare ginsenosides, such as Rk1, Rg5, and Rg3. Immunosuppressed mice were administered BGTS, and key immunological parameters were assessed, including body weight, spleen and thymus indices, cytokine and immunoglobulin levels, and the expression of immune-related genes and proteins.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>BGTS treatment significantly improved body weight and immune organ indices and promoted the secretion of cytokines, including interleukin (IL) 2, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, and IgM. Mechanistically, BGTS significantly activated the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway at the protein level and upregulated gene expression of TLR-4, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that BGTS exerts notable immunomodulatory effects by enhancing innate immune responses, primarily by activating the TLR4-mediated signaling pathway. Further studies are necessary to isolate the contribution of individual ginsenosides and evaluate the long-term safety and clinical potential of BGTS.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"70 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12893044/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146178710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Melissa phospholipids improves sleep quality and mental well-being: concluding results from clinical study in adults with emotional distress.","authors":"Mariangela Rondanelli, Giuseppe Mazzola, Gaetan Claude Barrile, Paola Misiano, Simone Perna","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v70.13729","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v70.13729","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Melissa officinalis</i> L. (lemon balm) is a botanical support widely used for its calming and sleep-promoting properties.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the impact of daily supplementation with Melissa phospholipids (MOP) at 200 or 400 mg for 3 weeks on sleep quality and psychological well-being in adults with emotional distress and poor sleep quality.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This prospective, open-label, dose-comparison clinical study enrolled 32 adults with poor sleep quality and/or clinically significant emotional distress. Participants received daily supplementation with either 200 or 400 mg/day MOP for 3 weeks. Sleep quality (primary endpoint) was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline (T0), and week 3 (T1). Secondary endpoints included depression, anxiety, and stress, positive and negative affect, mental well-being, and quality of life. Safety was also assessed through adherence monitoring, documentation of side effects or adverse events, and by routine blood biochemistry parameters of liver and renal functions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PSQI scores significantly improved over time (<i>P</i> < 0.0001), with greater and earlier benefits at 400 mg/day (-30% vs. -15%; <i>P</i> < 0.05). The 400 mg dose also produced significant reductions in depression (-26%), anxiety (-18%), and stress (-22%) scores (all <i>P</i> < 0.001), together with increased positive and negative affect together with Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (+15%). Quality of life improved across total score (33%) and its four domains, with significant results in physical well-being (<i>P</i> < 0.05). No statistically significant changes in safety parameters were detected and no adverse effects were reported.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>MOP, particularly at 400 mg/day, confirmed to significantly improve sleep and life quality, mood, and overall mental well-being.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings support and extend the health benefits of MOP as a well-tolerated, safe natural approach in a dose-dependent frame to managing sleep quality and emotional distress. Future placebo-controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results and further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"70 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952214/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147347806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Energy drink consumption, sleep behavior, and food choices of Icelandic adolescents.","authors":"Runa Stefansdottir, Arna O Gunnarsdottir, Bjorn J Hjalmarsson, Ingibjorg Gunnarsdottir, Erlingur Johannsson","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v70.12190","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v70.12190","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The consumption of energy drinks has increased in the last decades, especially among adolescents. Caffeine and its effects on sleep are well known, but less is known about the timing of the consumption and its association with sleep and food choices.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to evaluate the energy drink consumption, sleeping behavior, and food choices in Icelandic adolescents.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A total of 171 participants (64 boys, 107 girls, aged 17-18 years) completed an online questionnaire on sleep, food choices, and energy drink consumption. Independent sample <i>T</i>-tests, Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> tests, and Chi-square tests were used to assess group differences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 57% reported drinking energy drinks, with higher rates among girls than boys (63 vs. 48%). Energy drink consumers were more likely to report sleeping 6 h or less. This was especially true for those drinking energy drinks after 3 PM, compared to those who avoided them after 3 PM. Participants who consumed energy drinks also ate fewer nutritious foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish) and consumed more soft drinks, coffee, and alcohol compared to non-energy drink consumers.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The results show that energy drink consumption is frequent among Icelandic 17-year-olds, particularly among girls. Consumers were more likely to report shorter sleep durations, especially when drinking after 3 PM, and had poorer dietary habits, including lower intake of nutritious foods and higher consumption of soft drinks, coffee, and alcohol.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Future research should explore the long-term effects of these behaviors and assess interventions to reduce energy drink use and promote healthier habits in adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"70 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12893045/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146178563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estrogen promotes the angiogenesis and osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells via regulating ESR1/RUNX2 axis.","authors":"Zhen Han, Chengjian Wei","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v70.13421","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v70.13421","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Osteoporosis (OP) is a common bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of estrogen on OP. Bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) surgery was performed to establish the OP mouse model. Histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and alizarin red S (ARS) staining. Angiogenetic factors were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein expression was determined using Western blot. Cellular functions were analyzed using Transwell, tube formation, alkaline phosphatase staining, and ARS staining assay. The co-localization of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) was determined using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. The interaction between ESR1 and RUNX2 was determined using the co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay. We found that 17β-estradiol (E2) alleviated the decrease in bone intensity and mass induced by OVX. E2 promoted the angiogenesis and osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Mechanistically, E2 predominantly upregulated ESR1. Moreover, mediated nuclear-localization of ESR1 promoted the interaction between ESR1 and RUNX2. Furthermore, ESR1 overexpression promoted the angiogenesis and osteogenesis of BMSCs. Estrogen exerts a protective effect on OP. Estrogen mediates the angiogenesis and osteogenesis of BMSCs by regulating the ESR1/RUNX2 axis.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"70 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12893046/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146178640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced bioavailability of a krill oil-based milk thistle extract formulation: <i>in vitro</i> and human studies.","authors":"Karin Engelhart-Jentzsch, Ann-Kathrin Gantenbein, Christiane Schön, Manfred Wilhelm, Lena Stadelmayer, Lisa Pross, Tatjana Kaiser-Zimmermann, Gregorio Guerrero, Benjamin Assad Jaghutriz, Claudia Reule","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v70.13256","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v70.13256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>The milk thistle plant (<i>Silybum marianum</i>) is known for its hepatoprotective properties. However, the poor water solubility of silymarin limits its dissolution in the intestinal tract and restricts its bioavailability following oral administration.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To improve bioavailability, special formulations, in particular micellar solubilization, are explored. In this study, we examined the transport rate of silymarin in a krill oil-based formulation across a Caco-2 epithelial barrier after upstream digestion simulation <i>in vitro.</i> Furthermore, in a randomized cross-over design study the bioavailability of the krill oil-based formulation was investigated after single dose intake in fasting conditions in healthy participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We could demonstrate that the apparent transport coefficient of silybin, measured as lead substance of milk thistle extract, across the epithelium is efficiently boosted by a krill oil formulation, resulting in a 28% increase compared to silymarin powder. Consistent with these findings, a significant enhancement of bioavailability (<i>P</i> < 0.0001) was demonstrated for the krill oil-based formulation in comparison to the milk thistle extract resulting in an 8.59-fold higher AUC_0-8h and a 15.08-fold greater C_max of silybin and faster uptake kinetic after single dose intake.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that phospholipid-based delivery systems offer a promising strategy for improving the efficacy of lipophilic bioactives. Furthermore, the combination of krill oil with milk thistle extracts efficiently provides silybin, PUFAs, and choline, which are important nutrients contributing to liver and heart health.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"70 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12829531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146051118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zinc bioaccessibility of foodstuffs after <i>in vitro</i> study in children with illnesses.","authors":"Úrsula García-Conde, Miguel Navarro-Moreno, Beatriz Navajas-Porras, Daniel Hinojosa-Nogueira, Adriana Delgado-Osorio, Sergio Pérez-Burillo, Miguel Navarro-Alarcón, Silvia Pastorizal, Konstantinos Douros, José-Ángel Rufián-Henares","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.11032","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.11032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Childhood is a life stage particularly sensitive to malnutrition, including obesity, celiac disease, and food allergies. Zn is an essential element in development, metabolism, and the regulation of inflammatory processes and oxidative stress.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Zn bioaccessibility (Zn-BA), an indicator of the fraction of Zn available for intestinal absorption, is commonly evaluated through <i>in vitro</i> digestion models. This study applied a novel <i>in vitro</i> digestion-fermentation method to assess Zn-BA in various raw and cooked foods using fecal inocula from children with gluten-related disorders (GRD-CH), obesity (OB-CH), and allergy/intolerance to cow's milk protein (AICM-CH).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that Zn bioaccessibility in the large intestine (Zn-BALI) values were significantly lower in these clinical groups compared to healthy children (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Mean Zn-BALI values in the large intestine of all foods in GRD-CH are significantly higher (34.7 ± 28.8%) than those determined in OB-CH (29.6 ± 30.1%) and AICM-CH (26.7 ± 30.4%) (<i>P</i> < 0.001). For allergic children, Zn-BALI in animal foods was significantly lower than in plant foods and in both plant and animal foods in the other children's groups (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Zn-BALI in animal foods cooked in liquid media (frying/boiling) was significantly higher than when cooked with hot air (roasting/grilling).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In children, the studied diseases diminished the Zn-BALI, which could negatively affect their appropriate long-term development. In sick children, the higher Zn-BALI in celiac children is probably related to differences in gut microbiota composition, as well as to different metabolites and ligands obtained by the fermentation processes, a fact that should be addressed in future studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12767679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145911275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CL22209, a standardized <i>Asparagus racemosus</i> root extract, demonstrates improved ovarian morphology, menstrual regularity, and metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in a randomized, controlled trial.","authors":"Sridevi Kondamudi, Sravanthi Sadu, Sujatha Deva, Aishwarya Yalamanchi, Amulya Yalamanchi","doi":"10.29219/fnr.v69.13244","DOIUrl":"10.29219/fnr.v69.13244","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of infertility and metabolic dysfunction in women of reproductive age. Despite its high prevalence, current medical treatments are largely symptom-targeted and often prescribed off-label, highlighting the need for safer, integrative interventions. Botanical formulations with phytoestrogenic and insulin-sensitizing properties may represent a holistic therapeutic approach. The study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a standardized <i>Asparagus racemosus</i> root extract (CL22209) in women diagnosed with PCOS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (registration no: CTRI/2023/11/059457) was conducted in 60 women aged 20-35 years who were diagnosed with PCOS, as determined by the Rotterdam criteria. Participants received either CL22209 (100 mg daily) or a placebo for 84 consecutive days. The primary endpoint was the change in ovarian volume from the baseline. Secondary outcomes included ovarian cyst size and follicle number, menstrual cycle regularity, androgen-related manifestations, anthropometric indices, hormonal parameters, insulin sensitization, and safety.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After 84 days of supplementation, CL22209 significantly (<i>P</i> < 0.0001) reduced mean ovarian volume (20.98%), cyst size (40.97%), and follicle number (20.56%) as compared to placebo. The supplement showed exploratory indications of improved insulin sensitivity and hormonal profiles. Modest changes were also seen in menstrual patterns and anthropometric measures. CL22209 was well-tolerated over the study period.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CL22209 was well-tolerated and demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy in women diagnosed with PCOS, improving ovarian morphology, metabolic health, and androgen-mediated symptoms. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up durations would help to further validate these findings and clarify CL22209's role in the management of PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":12119,"journal":{"name":"Food & Nutrition Research","volume":"69 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12767677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145911230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}