Nutrition Research and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Association of vitamin K intake with physical function, handgrip strength, and mortality among U.S. adults: NHANES 2003-2016.","authors":"Hyunmi Han, Clara Yongjoo Park","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.289","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Vitamin K (VK) plays a key role in regulating calcium homeostasis in bone and soft tissues and may be associated with physical function (PF), handgrip strength (HGS), and mortality; however, nationally-representative studies are scarce.</p><p><strong>Subjects/methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the association of VK intake with PF, HGS, and mortality in adults aged 50 and older using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2016 (n = 4,950). VK intake was assessed using two 24-h dietary recalls and dietary supplement use questionnaires and categorized as < or ≥ the Adequate Intake (AI). Self-reported PF was categorized into 5 activities (activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living [IADL], lower extremity mobility [LEM], general physical activities, and leisure and social activities). HGS was measured using a grip strength dynamometer. Linear models, odds ratios, and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed. All analytical models were adjusted for potential confounders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>VK intake meeting the AI was associated with a 0.60-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.84) and 0.64-fold (95% CI, 0.47-0.89) decrease in the odds of IADL and LEM difficulty, respectively. When stratified by sex, these associations were significant only in males. However, VK intake was not associated with HGS or mortality.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>VK intake meeting the AI is associated with lower odds of impaired IADL and LEM, especially in males.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 2","pages":"289-300"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13062555/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675077","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":"High-protein diets for weight loss and their associations with bone status and diet quality in female college students.","authors":"Seon-Young Park, Jee-Young Yeon, Mi-Hyun Kim","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.317","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.317","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>High-protein diets are increasingly used by young women for weight loss; however, concerns have been raised regarding their potential impact on bone health under insufficient calcium intake. This study investigated the associations between high-protein diet use for weight loss and bone status and diet quality among female college students.</p><p><strong>Subjects/methods: </strong>In total, 260 female college students residing in Chungcheong, Korea, participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, 24-h dietary recall, and calcaneal ultrasound assessment. Participants were classified according to self-reported weight loss attempts during the past year into non-weight control (NWC; n = 108) and weight control (WC; n = 152) groups. The WC group was further subdivided into high-protein diet (HP-WC; n = 82) and non-high-protein diet (NHP-WC; n = 70) groups on the basis of high-protein diet practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean body weight and body mass index (BMI) were significantly greater in the WC group than in the NWC group (<i>P</i> < 0.001 for both). Although calcium intake was significantly lower in the HP-WC group, protein intake exceeded the recommended level more frequently in this group (<i>P</i> < 0.05). A dietary diversity score less than 3 was more common in the HP-WC group (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Osteopenia prevalence was highest in the NWC group (64.8%), followed by the HP-WC group (50.0%) and the NHP-WC group (41.4%; <i>P</i> < 0.05). After adjustment for BMI and other confounding factors, the bone quality index and speed of sound values were significantly lower in the HP-WC group than in the NHP-WC group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that high-protein weight-control practices may be associated with less favorable bone parameters among female college students during early adulthood, particularly in the context of lower calcium intake and reduced dietary diversity.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 2","pages":"317-332"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13062554/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675067","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":"Effects of the provision of senior-friendly food packages on nutritional status and dietary habits among community-dwelling older adults living alone in South Korea.","authors":"Jin-Suk Han, Jihyeon Kim, Sangju Lee","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.272","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>South Korea is transitioning into a super-aged society, where inadequate dietary intake among community-dwelling older adults leads to frailty, chronic diseases, and diminished quality of life. This study assessed the effects of providing senior-friendly foods on dietary intake and nutritional status, generating evidence to support food-based interventions that promote healthy, independent living among older adults.</p><p><strong>Subjects/methods: </strong>In total, 144 participants were enrolled, comprising 103 and 41 individuals in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Over a 3-mon intervention period, the control group continued receiving existing meal services from the local government (the Customized Care Service for Older Adults), while the intervention group received senior-friendly food packages instead. Data were collected at baseline, upon concluding the 12-week intervention, and at 8 weeks post-intervention. General characteristics, oral health status, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Nutrition Quotient for Elderly, nutrient intake, and the Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The intervention group (mean age: 79.2 yrs) had 2.1 chronic diseases and 2.6 medications, and 86% resided alone. Compared with the control group, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in MNA scores over time, as well as in the time × group interaction (F = 4.439, <i>P</i> = 0.013; F = 7.480, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Nutrient intake, including energy, carbohydrates, fats, dietary fiber, calcium, and cholesterol (time, group, group × time <i>P</i> < 0.001), also significantly differed. INQ analysis revealed substantial improvements in protein, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B₂. However, fat intake and certain INQ values declined at follow-up, and vitamin D intake remained low in both groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Senior-friendly food packages improve the nutritional status of community-dwelling older adults in the short term. To sustain these benefits and foster healthy, independent aging, establishing sustainable food support systems, implementing policy-level backing, and promoting the diversified development of senior-friendly food are imperative.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 2","pages":"272-288"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13062571/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675118","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":"Skim milk hydrolysate (SMH-AP) containing AVPYP and GLPQE ameliorates adipogenic lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells.","authors":"Sekyung Lee, Hyung Joo Suh, Eun-Jin Jung, Hyeon-Son Choi","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.201","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>This study evaluated the anti-adipogenic effects of skim milk hydrolysate with alcalase and prozyme (SMH-AP) in 3T3-L1 cells and identified its bioactive peptides.</p><p><strong>Materials/methods: </strong>After adipogenic differentiation, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with SMH-AP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SMH-AP, produced via sequential hydrolysis with Alcalase and Prozyme, significantly inhibited lipid accumulation and modulated adipogenic and lipogenic biomarkers. It downregulated <i>CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein</i> (<i>C/EBP</i>) <i>β</i>, <i>C/EBPα</i>, <i>peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma</i>, and <i>sterol regulatory element-binding protein</i> (<i>SREBP</i>) <i>1c</i>, while upregulating <i>Krüppel-like factor 2</i>. SMH-AP suppressed the cholesterogenic markers (<i>SREBP2</i> and <i>3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase</i>) and activated AMP-activated protein kinase alpha, which phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase and activated hormone-sensitive lipase. Molecular analysis confirmed extensive proteolysis into small, cell-permeable peptides (~330 Da). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry identified Ala-Val-Pro-Tyr-Pro and Gly-Leu-Pro-Gln-Glu as major bioactive peptides.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that SMH-AP may serve as a promising functional food ingredient for preventing obesity.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 2","pages":"201-219"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13062567/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675101","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":"Bioavailability of lutein following short-term consumption of raw vegetables and juice.","authors":"Seung-Hui Choi, Kyoung Yun Kim, Ha-Rin Moon, Ha-Yun Jeong, Min-Jung Kang, Soomin Lee, Eunju Park, Young-Shick Hong, Jung-Mi Yun","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.253","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.253","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Lutein, a dietary carotenoid, plays a crucial role in protecting eye health as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant. Green leafy vegetables constitute a major source of lutein; however, comparative studies on different consumption methods are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the bioavailability of lutein from lutein-rich foods, namely, raw vegetables and raw vegetable juice.</p><p><strong>Subjects/methods: </strong>In this study, 18 adults were recruited. They were randomly divided into three groups: commercial lutein supplement (LUT, 20 mg), raw vegetable (RV), and raw vegetable juice (RVJ) groups. Blood was collected at 0-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 12-, 24-, and 30-h intervals after the consumption of each test meal. Participants' serum lutein levels were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Considering lutein's well-established anti-inflammatory properties, changes in inflammatory status were assessed by measuring serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Furthermore, urinary metabolomic profiling was conducted using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to evaluate metabolic alterations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After consuming each lutein-rich food, participants' blood lutein levels were analyzed, and the serum concentration peaked at 12 h (0.37 ± 0.13 μg/mL), 24 h (0.61 ± 0.18 μg/mL), and 30 h (0.42 ± 0.16 μg/mL) after RV, LUT, and RVJ consumption, respectively. Additionally, hs-CRP levels decreased following lutein-rich food consumption. Twelve hours after consumption, hs-CRP levels decreased to 0.81 and 0.83 mg/L in the RV and RVJ groups, respectively. Twenty-four hours after consumption, they further decreased to 0.68 and 0.74 mg/L in the LUT and RVJ groups, respectively. Thirty hours after consumption, a reduction to 0.61 mg/L was observed in the RVJ group. Furthermore, after consuming each lutein-rich food, N-acetyl glycoprotein levels decreased at 24 h, reflecting metabolic alterations potentially associated with lutein metabolism.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that the short-term consumption of lutein-rich foods, regardless of their type or source, potentially yields health benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 2","pages":"253-271"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13062561/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675150","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":"Factors associated with vegetarian orientation among Seoul citizens: focusing on food literacy and sociodemographic characteristics.","authors":"Minjeong Jeong, Eunjin Jang, Youngmi Lee, Sohyun Park","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.301","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>This study examined factors associated with vegetarian orientation among adults in Seoul, with a focus on food literacy (FL) and sociodemographic characteristics.</p><p><strong>Subjects/methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2023 Seoul Food Survey in Seoul, South Korea. The study included 3,592 adults aged ≥ 18 yrs, who were categorized into vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, pollo-pesco vegetarian, flexitarian, and omnivore groups. FL was assessed using a 33-item scale covering 3 domains: nutritional and safety, cultural and relational, and socioecological. Descriptive statistics, general linear models, and logistic regression analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the participants, 16.0% followed a vegetarian-oriented diet, with flexitarians comprising the largest subgroup (10.9%). Vegetarian orientation was positively associated with being female (odds ratio [OR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.90), age of ≥ 65 yrs (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.50-4.21) and having a college education (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.78-3.53). Negative associations were found for higher household income (≥ 5 million KRW/month) (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.85) and low food security (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.24-0.44). Vegetarian-oriented individuals had higher FL scores, particularly in the socioecological domain. In the multivariable models, higher FL scores remained significantly associated with vegetarian orientation. Health management (63.8%) was the most commonly reported motivation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Gender, age, educational level and FL in the socioecological domain were significantly associated with vegetarian orientation. Our study findings underscore the need for policies and programs that promote sustainable diets tailored to specific sociodemographic groups with varying FL levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 2","pages":"301-316"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13062563/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675137","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":"Deoxyshikonin inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and tumor immune microenvironment in breast cancer cells by inactivating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway.","authors":"Shaolan Yu, Dayan Nie, Xia Guan, Lihui Shan, Xun Yu, Sanjun Guo","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.167","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.167","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Deoxyshikonin (DSK) has been reported to inhibit tumor growth in various types of cancers, but its roles and action mechanisms in breast cancer (BC) are unclear. This study examined the anti-cancer function and mechanism of DSK in BC.</p><p><strong>Materials/methods: </strong>MDA-MB-231 and BT549, human BC cells, were used. The cell viability and apoptosis levels were examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 experiments and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of apoptosis-related factors (Ki-67, Bax, and Bcl-2), CD206, CD168, and proteins involved in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway was evaluated by Western blot analysis. The cell invasion ability was determined using the Transwell experiment. The levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The <i>in vivo</i> functions of DSK were assessed using a xenograft mouse model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DSK inhibited cell proliferation, enhanced cell apoptosis, and reduced the cell invasion of MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells. DSK also reduced the levels of CD206 and CD168 proteins, as well as IL-10 and TGF-β in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced THP-1 cells. DSK downregulated the expression of the phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-NF-κB proteins in cells. These effects were reversed by 740 Y-P (PI3K/AKT activator). In addition, DSK significantly reduced the tumor volume and weight in a xenograft mouse model. DSK increased the level of cell apoptosis and decreased the expression of Ki-67 and CD206 in subcutaneous tumor tissue. DSK also inactivated the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway proteins.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>DSK inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and tumor immune microenvironment of BC cells by inactivating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, indicating that DSK may be a potential therapeutic option for BC treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 2","pages":"167-181"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13062558/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675105","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":"Understanding upcycled food acceptance among young female consumers in South Korea: the role of perceived consumption values, food neophobia and environmental awareness.","authors":"Mavis Esi Afari-Agyapong, Borham Yoon","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.346","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.2.346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>This study aimed to identify key perceived consumption values in the context of upcycled food and examine how these perceived consumption values influence consumer attitudes and purchase intentions among young females. Additionally, the study explored differences in perceived consumption values, attitudes, and purchase intentions based on levels of food neophobia and environmental awareness (EA).</p><p><strong>Subjects/methods: </strong>A self-administered online survey was conducted among female college students at a university in Jeollanam-do, South Korea, in April 2025. A total of 236 valid responses were collected. To test the proposed relationships between variables, factor analysis and multiple regression were performed. Additionally, independent samples <i>t</i>-tests were used to examine differences in consumer perceptions based on levels of food neophobia and EA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Exploratory factor analysis identified 4 perceived consumption values constructs, emotional, epistemic, functional, and economic values, excluding social value due to factor cross-loading. Multiple regression analysis showed that emotional (β = 0.434) and epistemic values (β = 0.324) were significant predictors of positive attitude toward upcycled food. Purchase intention was significantly influenced by emotional (β = 0.409), epistemic (β = 0.224), and economic values (β = 0.145). Independent samples <i>t</i>-tests showed significant group differences across all variables for food neophobia (<i>P</i> < 0.001), with neophilic consumers demonstrating more favorable value perceptions, attitude, and purchase intention. For EA, significant group differences were observed across all variables except epistemic value.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that emotional and epistemic appeals are particularly effective in engaging young female consumers in the upcycled food market. The strong acceptance observed among environmentally aware and less neophobic consumers underscores the importance of emphasizing environmental benefits, emotional engagement, and perceived value to improve consumer acceptance of upcycled food.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 2","pages":"346-357"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13062553/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675165","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":"Postpartum bone mineral density in Korean women: associations with lactation status and calcium intake.","authors":"Cheawon Lee, Hangyeol Jeon, Yoon Ha Kim, Myeong Gyun Choi, Jong Woon Kim, Clara Yongjoo Park","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.1.145","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.1.145","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Postpartum bone metabolism undergoes substantial alterations based on breastfeeding status. Research on maternal calcium intake and bone recovery, particularly among Asian women, remains limited. This study investigated postpartum change in bone mineral density (BMD) and its association with calcium intake during late pregnancy and post-delivery according to breastfeeding status.</p><p><strong>Subjects/methods: </strong>Thirty-six women (22 breastfeeding, 14 non-breastfeeding) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry 3 times: 1) within 3 days of delivery, 2) at 6 mon postpartum for non-breastfeeding women or within 1 mon of weaning for breastfeeding women, and 3) at 12 mon postpartum. Dietary calcium intake was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire and dietary supplement survey at all visits. Association between calcium intake with percentage change in BMD (%ΔBMD) was assessed by linear regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter significantly decreased during breastfeeding, whereas non-breastfeeding women displayed increased BMD at the femoral neck at 6 mon postpartum. In non-breastfeeding women, postpartum calcium intake was positively associated with %ΔBMD at the total hip, femoral neck, and intertrochanter (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Few significant associations were observed between %ΔBMD and late pregnancy intakes across all women, regardless of breastfeeding status. At 12 mon, BMD in breastfeeding women recovered to delivery levels, while non-breastfeeding women maintained their BMD observed at 6 mon postpartum.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Postpartum calcium intake is positively associated with bone recovery in non-breastfeeding women, suggesting that its effects on bone recovery potentially vary with lactation status.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0005118.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 1","pages":"145-155"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12893861/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202207","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":"Anti-obesity effects of <i>Withania somnifera</i> and <i>Chrysanthemum zawadskii</i> Herbich var. <i>latilobum</i> (Maxim.) Kitamura by regulating lipid metabolism and insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.","authors":"Seong-Hoo Park, Yejin Ha, Eunhee Yoo, Jaeeun Jung, Mi-Ryeong Park, Soyoung Kim, Jong-Lae Kim, Jong Wook Lee, Minhee Lee, Ok-Kyung Kim","doi":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.1.3","DOIUrl":"10.4162/nrp.2026.20.1.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation, dysregulated lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance, leading to an increased risk of metabolic disease. While <i>Withania somnifera</i> (AS) and <i>Chrysanthemum zawadskii</i> Herbich var. <i>latilobum</i> (Maxim.) Kitamura (C) have traditionally been used for their metabolic regulatory properties, their combined effects on adipogenesis, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and insulin signaling remain unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of AS, C, and their optimal combination (ASC) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by investigating their impact on lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis.</p><p><strong>Materials/methods: </strong>Following adipogenic differentiation, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with AS, C, and ASC at different concentrations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>AS, C, and ASC significantly inhibited adipogenesis by downregulating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins alpha and beta phosphorylation, thereby reducing lipid accumulation in adipocytes. They also suppressed lipogenesis by downregulating the expression of dephosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and lipoprotein lipase. In contrast, they markedly enhanced lipolysis, as evidenced by increased hormone-sensitive lipase and protein kinase A expression, along with elevated glycerol release and cAMP levels. Furthermore, AS, C, and ASC activated energy metabolism pathways, as indicated by the upregulation of AMP-activated protein kinase, uncoupling protein 1, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A, suggesting a transition toward enhanced mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Notably, AS, C, and ASC significantly improved insulin signaling by restoring insulin receptor substrate 1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and Akt phosphorylation, while upregulating glucose transporter type 4 expression, indicating enhanced glucose uptake. Among all treatments, ASC showed relatively greater efficacy compared to AS or C alone, suggesting a potential additive effect.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings demonstrate that ASC effectively modulates multiple metabolic pathways in adipocytes, including adipogenesis, lipogenesis, lipolysis, energy metabolism, and insulin signaling, to exert its anti-obesity effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":19232,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition Research and Practice","volume":"20 1","pages":"3-15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12893852/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202231","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}