Nutrition and Metabolic Insights最新文献

{"title":"The Plastic Within: Micro- and Nanoplastics in Human Tissues and the Nutritional Context for Exposure Mitigation.","authors":"Sara Alotaishan, Manal Ahmad, Khaled Sewify","doi":"10.1177/11786388261460288","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388261460288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are increasingly detected in human tissues, prompting concern about potential biological effects. Yet, for most outcomes, the literature remains dominated by detection studies and preclinical toxicology, with limited human dose-response data.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature (2000-2025), prioritizing human biomonitoring and tissue-detection studies, observational health-outcome studies, and mechanistic evidence that plausibly links exposure to cardiometabolic, reproductive, and neuroinflammatory pathways. Certainty of evidence was appraised using GRADE principles where applicable and explicitly separated from mechanistic plausibility.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MPs/NPs have been reported in blood, lung, placenta, atherosclerotic plaques, brain, liver, and testicular tissue. The most clinically salient human outcome signal to date is an association between plaque microplastics and subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events in an observational cohort (hazard ratio 4.53, 95% CI 2.00-10.27). However, polymer quantification approaches vary (particle counts vs polymer mass), contamination control is method-dependent, and inter-study comparability remains limited.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The current evidence base supports aggressive exposure reduction as the most defensible \"first-line\" strategy. Nutritional approaches (dietary fiber, gut-barrier support, and microbiome modulation) are best framed as adjunctive, mechanistically plausible risk-mitigation strategies rather than proven methods to remove plastics from the body. Well-designed human trials and standardized analytical protocols are needed before clinical \"detoxification\" claims can be justified.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388261460288"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13351226/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148422945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diet-Genetic Interactions in Type 2 Diabetes: Comparing Polygenic Risk in Rice- and Wheat-Consuming Populations.","authors":"Shahla Naran Chirakkal, Ananthakrishnan Anilkumar Indu, Ranajit Das","doi":"10.1177/11786388261457983","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388261457983","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rice and wheat are the 2 dominant global cereal staples, differing substantially in starch composition and glycaemic impact. Polished rice is typically rich in amylopectin, promoting rapid postprandial glucose responses, whereas wheat-based foods contain relatively more amylose and fibre, resulting in slower digestion. While diet is a key determinant of type 2 diabetes (T2D), it remains unclear whether long-term exposure to contrasting staple diets is associated with differences in inherited genetic susceptibility at the population level.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We applied a population genomics approach to compare polygenic risk scores (PRS) for T2D between historically rice- and wheat-dominant populations. GWAS summary statistics from the IEU OpenGWAS resource were used to derive SNP weights, and genotype data from GenomeAsia 100K and HumanOrigins datasets were analysed. PRS were computed using PRSice, and group differences were assessed using Welch's 2-sample <i>t</i>-test at global and South Asia-specific levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At the global scale, rice-based populations exhibited significantly higher and more dispersed PRS distributions than wheat-based populations, with strong statistical support (<i>t</i> = -32.758; <i>P</i> = 2.2 × 10⁻¹⁶). In contrast, South Asia-only analyses showed substantial overlap between dietary groups, with only a modest difference (<i>t</i> = -2.281; <i>P</i> = .02), likely reflecting dietary heterogeneity, admixture, and complex population structure.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings support a gene-diet coevolutionary framework in which long-term staple carbohydrate environments may influence the distribution of genetic susceptibility to T2D. The results emphasise the importance of carbohydrate quality in metabolic health and highlight the need for culturally and regionally tailored dietary strategies. However, PRS should not be used for individual-level clinical prediction, particularly across diverse ancestries.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388261457983"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13338541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148405333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Egg Powder Fortification of Tom Brown Significantly Improves Hemoglobin and Ferritin and Reduces Inflammation Among School-Aged Children in Ghana: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Joe Dare Nyefene, Felix Mills-Robertson, Isaac Amoah, Charles Apprey, Christopher Edeh","doi":"10.1177/11786388261452336","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388261452336","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anemia and micronutrient deficiencies remain major public health concerns among children in Ghana. Nutrient-rich food fortification offers a promising strategy to improve iron status and reduce inflammation. This study evaluated the effect of a 24-week egg powder-fortified Tom Brown meal on hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among school-aged children in the Wa Municipality.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 136 children aged 5 to 12 years. Children in the intervention group received egg powder-fortified Tom Brown 3 days/week for 24 weeks, while the control group consumed unfortified Tom Brown. The Shapiro-Wilk test (<i>P</i> > .05) validated the normal distribution of all biochemical variables, thereby endorsing the application of parametric analyses. Baseline comparisons between groups showed no significant differences in Hb, ferritin, or CRP levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After the 24-week intervention, hemoglobin levels increased from 11.81 ± 0.83 to 14.67 ± 0.93 g/dl (P < .001; d = 2.602) in the intervention group, while in the control group, hemoglobin levels increased from 11.43 ± 0.85 to 12.53 ± 0.54 g/dl (P > .051; d = 0.519). Ferritin levels increased from 14.32 ± 2.07 to 18.87 ± 3.82 ng/ml (P < .001; d = 2.640) in the intervention group, compared to an increase from 12.24 ± 2.72 to 15.10 ± 2.11 ng/ml (P > .052; d = 0.699) in the control group. In contrast, CRP levels decreased from 5.87 ± 1.67 to 3.93 ± 0.99 mg/l (P < .001; d = -1.542) in the intervention group, while in the control group, CRP levels decreased from 4.97 ± 1.148 to 3.911 ± 0.93 mg/l (P > .052; d = -0.719).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The 24-week egg powder-fortified Tom Brown intervention resulted in substantial improvements in hemoglobin and iron stores and a marked reduction in inflammation in school-aged children. The findings revealed that fortifying and integrating affordable, locally acceptable foods into school-based feeding programs can be a high-impact, scalable public health intervention for reducing anemia and micronutrient deficiencies in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388261452336"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13305912/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148345630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diet Quality and Physical Activity in Children and Caregivers From PAVILA Shelter in Northern México.","authors":"Ortega-Ramírez Irving Gerardo, Muñoz-Yáñez Claudia, Soto-Méndez María José, Aba-Guevara Jackeline, Guangorena-Gómez Janeth Oliva","doi":"10.1177/11786388261445757","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388261445757","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study assessed diet quality and physical activity levels in children and caregivers at the PAVILA shelter in northern Mexico. Researchers examined eating habits and exercise to determine whether they met healthy diet recommendations. The study included 27 children and 10 caregivers, analyzing their food intake, physical activity, and body measurements. Results showed that, on average, their diet quality was moderate (57.76 out of 100). Only 2.70% had a good-quality diet, 75.68% had an intermediate-quality diet, and 21.62% had a poor-quality diet. Participants ate few vegetables, dairy products, and fish, while their consumption of sugars and saturated fats was high. Children had worse diet quality compared to caregivers. Their eating habits did not meet national or international nutrition guidelines. These findings are important because a poor diet and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. The study highlights the need for better nutrition at the shelter, encouraging more nutritious foods and reducing sugars and fats.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388261445757"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180109/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147973933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Dominant Dietary Patterns in Hemodialysis Patients Using Factor Analysis Method and Their Relationship With Anthropometric Indices and Metabolic Parameters: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Mahdi Karimi, Seyed Ahmad Hosseini, Hadi Bazyar, Ahmad Zare Javid, Shokouh Shayanpour, Zeinab Heidari","doi":"10.1177/11786388261426556","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388261426556","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring interventions like dialysis. Nutrition plays a key role in CKD management by affecting metabolic and anthropometric outcomes. This study assessed dominant dietary patterns in hemodialysis patients using factor analysis and their relationships with anthropometric and metabolic parameters. This cross-sectional study included 300 adult hemodialysis patients selected through systematic sampling from dialysis centers in Ahvaz, Iran. Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified 3 dietary patterns: Western, Mixed, and Traditional. Anthropometric indices (BMI, waist circumference) and metabolic parameters (lipid profiles, renal markers) were assessed. Multiple linear regression adjusted for confounders was applied. The Western Pattern was positively associated with higher BMI (+1.41 kg/m², <i>P</i> < .001), WC (+3.67 cm, <i>P</i> < .001), total cholesterol (+11.81 mg/dL, <i>P</i> < .001), and LDL-C (+9.54 mg/dL, <i>P</i> < .001). The Mixed Pattern showed protective effects, reducing WC (-3.30 cm, <i>P</i> < .001), TC (-6.13 mg/dL, <i>P</i> = .004), LDL-C (-5.01 mg/dL, <i>P</i> = .001), and uric acid (-0.75 mg/dL, <i>P</i> = .03). The Traditional Pattern was linked to lower BMI (-1.57 kg/m², <i>P</i> < .001), WC (-3.91 cm, <i>P</i> < .001), improved HDL-C (+1.73 mg/dL, <i>P</i> = .02), and reduced systolic blood pressure (-3.57 mmHg, <i>P</i> < .001). Dietary patterns significantly impact metabolic and anthropometric health in hemodialysis patients. Adopting culturally relevant dietary patterns like the Traditional Pattern may improve outcomes. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388261426556"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13172704/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147963831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profile in Patients With Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Roghayeh Molani-Gol, Sanaz Bohlouli Sardroudi, Maryam Rafraf","doi":"10.1177/11786388261432862","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388261432862","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the major chronic diseases, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Oxidative stress has a crucial role in T2DM development. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid compound that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-diabetic effects. The current meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the available evidence and provide an accurate estimate of the overall effects of astaxanthin supplementation in patients with prediabetes and T2DM. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched using relevant keywords and MeSH terms until January 2025. A meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model and STATA 17 software. In addition, the included studies' quality and the evidence's overall strength were assessed using the Cochrane and GRADE tools, respectively. In total, 9 randomized controlled trials, including 403 patients with prediabetes and T2DM, were included in this review. The findings showed that astaxanthin supplementation significantly reduced serum levels of fasting blood sugar (WMD: -16.126 mg/dl (95%CI: -28.968 to -3.285), <i>P</i> = .014), glycated hemoglobin (WMD: -0.338 (95%CI: -0.598 to -0.079), <i>P</i> = .011), triglyceride (WMD: -20.872 mg/dl, (95%CI: -38.205 to 3.540), <i>P</i> = .018), total cholesterol (WMD: -12.174 mg/dl, (95% CI:-19.839 to -4.509), <i>P</i> = .002), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -9.409 mg/dl (95% CI: -15.287 to -3.531), <i>P</i> = .002) and increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (WMD: 3.021 mg/dl, (95%CI: 2.000-4.042) compared to the control group. However, astaxanthin administration had no significant effect on HOMA-IR, body weight, and body mass index of patients. The findings indicate the beneficial effects of astaxanthin supplementation on improving glycemic indices and lipid profiles in patients with prediabetes and T2DM. The non-significant effects of astaxanthin on weight and body mass index warrant high-quality research to confirm these findings and clarify the effects of astaxanthin in patients with prediabetes and T2DM.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388261432862"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13145034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147841044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Undernutrition and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care: As a Strategy for Reducing Perinatal Morbidity.","authors":"Mebratu Demissie, Aberash Beyene Derribow, Gudeta Beriso Jima, Bacha Workineh, Astray Assime, Amlaku Mulat, Mangistu Abera","doi":"10.1177/11786388261440211","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388261440211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Undernutrition is a major issue among pregnant women, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. However, the evidence revealed that there is limited evidence in Ethiopia, particularly in the study setting. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care in Northwest Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A facility-based cross-sectional study was employed among 401 systematically selected pregnant mothers who attended antenatal care from January to February 2021. A pretested, structured questionnaire, laboratory investigations, and anthropometric measurements were used for data collection. Data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported into SPSS version 26 software for analysis. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. Variables with a <i>P</i>-value <.05 at a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, the magnitude of undernutrition among pregnant women was 17.71% (95%CI: 14.0, 21.7). Lowest dietary diversity (AOR = 2.96; 95%CI: 1.20, 7.30), medical illness (AOR = 4.79; 95%CI: 1.20, 19.03), household food insecurity (AOR = 6.71; 95%CI: 2.80, 16.07), and intestinal parasite (AOR = 10.36, 95%CI: 4.37, 24.56) were factors associated with undernutrition.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights that undernutrition among pregnant women remains a significant public health concern, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions during antenatal care. Thus, strengthening and enhancing early intervening modifiable factors of maternal undernutrition may help to improve both maternal health and pregnancy outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388261440211"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13070173/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147675482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Under-Five Undernutrition Prevalence, Its Inequality, Associated Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors in Uganda: Secondary Analysis of 2019/2020 National Panel Data.","authors":"Sam Orech, Maurice Robert Mine, Francis Okello, Proscovia Nabachenje, Bisimwa Nankafu, Kagali Anitah Uside, Yovani Moses Lubaale","doi":"10.1177/11786388261426548","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388261426548","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Undernutrition is a type of malnutrition in which there are deficiencies in nutrient intake. It is caused by inadequate dietary intake and disease. Undernutrition contributes toward poor health outcomes of a child, and imposes a financial burden on the child's household. This study aims to determine under-five undernutrition prevalence, its inequality and associated socioeconomic and demographic factors in Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>We analyzed secondary data of 2019/2020 Uganda National Panel Survey. From 815 households, selected 815 children under 5 who had complete data on age (months), weight (kilograms), and height (centimeters). This was used for computing the <i>z</i> scores. Based on the World Health Organization reference, we used the z scores to determine the children's nutritional status. We then compared households of malnourished and those of the well-nourished children using the student's <i>t</i>-test and the chi square (χ²) test respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 815 children included in the study, undernutrition prevalence was 16.9% stunted, 6.1% wasted, and 11.8% underweight. This corresponds to catastrophic health expenditure being 1.1%, 1.7%, and 0.7% lower among households with stunted, wasted and underweight children respectively, compared to households with well-nourished children. The distribution was not statistically significant: ( <math> <mrow><msup><mi>χ</mi> <mn>2</mn></msup> <mspace></mspace> <mo>(</mo> <mi>P</mi> <mo>)</mo></mrow> </math>  = 2.331 (0.312)), ( <math> <mrow><msup><mi>χ</mi> <mn>2</mn></msup> <mspace></mspace> <mo>(</mo> <mi>P</mi> <mo>)</mo></mrow> </math>  = 0.863 (0.649)), and ( <math> <mrow><msup><mi>χ</mi> <mn>2</mn></msup> <mspace></mspace> <mo>(</mo> <mi>P</mi> <mo>)</mo></mrow> </math>  = 0.335 (0.846)), respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The odds of undernutrition didn't differ by nutritional status, but undernourished children had significantly higher transport expenses. MoH should invest in community healthcare services to reduce these costs.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388261426548"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12953969/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147355835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement Improves Glycemic Control and Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.","authors":"Andreas Pfützner, Pamela Canaviri-Paz, Mina R Hanna, Daniela Sachsenheimer, Daiva Kalasauske, Julia Jantz, Johan de Faire","doi":"10.1177/11786388251413658","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388251413658","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>BeaT-2/Sugarburner is a nutritional supplement based on a co-existing microbial consortium of bacterial strains. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential beneficial effects of the supplement versus placebo on glycemic control and on biomarkers of inflammation, insulin resistance and ß-cell dysfunction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 40 Patients with type 2 diabetes (31 male, 9 female, age:65.5 ± 8.0 years, BMI: 33.6 ± 5.5 kg/m^², HbA1c: 7.2 ± 0.9%) were included into the study. They were randomized to receive 2 capsules of either BeaT-2 or placebo once daily for 6 weeks. Observation parameters were time in normoglycemia as assessed by continuous glucose monitoring, and biomarkers of glycemic control, ß-cell function, insulin resistance and chronic systemic inflammation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Time in range was stable with BeaT-2 between weeks 0 and 2 versus weeks 4 and 6, while it slightly impaired with placebo (-4%, n.s.). At endpoint, there were significant improvements versus baseline with BeaT-2, but not with placebo for biomarkers of glycemic control (BeaT-2 vs Placebo, HbA1c: -0.3% vs 0.1%, fasting glucose: -14% vs +8%, both <i>P</i> < .05), insulin resistance (insulin: -17% vs +14%, HOMA-IR: -26% vs +21%, both <i>P</i> < .05), ß-cell dysfunction (intact proinsulin: -40% vs -2%, <i>P</i> < .05) and chronic systemic inflammation (adiponectin: +8% vs -8%; <i>P</i> < .05, hsCRP: -31% vs +27%, n.s.). In addition, observed changes in the lipid profiles and other parameters of metabolic syndrome were more favorable with BeaT-2 than with placebo. There were no differences between the groups with respect to number and type of adverse events.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results observed with BeaT-2 were comprehensively indicative for improvements in the cardiometabolic situation. BeaT-2 may be a valuable supplement to any existing treatment combination in patients with type 2 diabetes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388251413658"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12921160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147271595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Therapeutic Effect of Garlic Supplements on the Metabolic Profile of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.","authors":"Anahita Ebrahimzadeh, Mohammad Safargar, Milad Rajabzadeh-Dehkordi, Faezeh Nematolahi, Mahsa Samadani, Laya Saeid, Abbas Mohtashamian, Mohammad Ali Izadi, Armin Ebrahimzadeh, Ali Reza Safarpour","doi":"10.1177/11786388251413660","DOIUrl":"10.1177/11786388251413660","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Garlic, as an additive, a spice, and an ancient herbal medicine, has been proposed as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This systematic review and meta-analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of garlic supplementation on fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and lipid profile in patients with T2DM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>All articles published up to November 2024 were reviewed through the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases to gather all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on T2DM patients in which garlic was used as a treatment. A random-effects model was used to measure pooled effect sizes. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to report pooled effect sizes. Subgroup analysis was utilized to investigate heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Finally, 8 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our pooled meta-analysis showed a significant decrease in FBS after garlic therapy based on 10 effect sizes (WMD: -12.41; 95% CI: -15.13 to -9.69; <i>I</i> ^² = 99.2%) and in HbA1C based on 7 effect sizes (WMD: -0.5; 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.33; <i>I</i> ^² = 96.4%). Also, total cholesterol (TC) was significantly reduced (WMD: -8.26; 95% CI: -14.65 to -1.88; <i>I</i> ^² = 90.9%) based on 7 effect sizes, while changes in HDL-C, TG, and LDL-C were not significant overall. However, when garlic was combined with oral hypoglycemic agents, a significant reduction in LDL-C was observed (WMD: -8.64; 95% CI: -10.54 to -6.78; <i>I</i> ^² = 95.6%) compared to garlic alone. Moreover, longer duration of garlic supplementation significantly improved all lipid profiles in patients with T2DM. Significant improvements in HDL-C, LDL-C, and TC were also noted in older patients after garlic therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis support the potential effect of garlic therapy for the management of T2DM. However, due to the low quality of the studies included in this review, further high-quality RCTs should be conducted based on our findings.</p><p><strong>Prospero registration number: </strong>CRD42024628780.</p>","PeriodicalId":19396,"journal":{"name":"Nutrition and Metabolic Insights","volume":"19 ","pages":"11786388251413660"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12901877/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}