NutrientsPub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.3390/nu17142384
Carlos Elvira-Aranda, José Antonio Pérez-Turpin, Concepción Suárez-Llorca, Maite Pérez, Roser De-Castellar
{"title":"Growing Pains and Dietary Habits in Young Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Survey.","authors":"Carlos Elvira-Aranda, José Antonio Pérez-Turpin, Concepción Suárez-Llorca, Maite Pérez, Roser De-Castellar","doi":"10.3390/nu17142384","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142384","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Growing pains are a common cause of recurrent limb pain in children, but their etiology remains unclear. Physical activity and nutrition are important factors for musculoskeletal health, but their specific relationship with growing pains has not been well established in young athletes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of growing pains in child and adolescent athletes and evaluate their adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 916 athletes aged 8-17 years from sports academies in Alicante, Spain. Data were collected via an online survey assessing demographics, pain types, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. <b>Results:</b> Self-reported pain was highly prevalent, affecting 78.5% of children and 93.5% of adolescents. Musculoskeletal and nocturnal pain increased with age, with nocturnal pain significantly more frequent in girls among children (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Additionally, 32.6% of children and 51.9% of adolescents had received a formal diagnosis of growing pains. Despite this, only 13.7% reported using analgesics, with no significant gender differences. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was mostly moderate, with children reporting higher fruit and vegetable intake than adolescents, while adolescents consumed more healthy fats and carbohydrates, and participants without pain showed overall healthier dietary patterns. <b>Conclusions</b>: Idiopathic musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among young athletes, and their adherence to a healthy diet is suboptimal, challenging the assumption that physically active children maintain well-balanced diets. This underscores the importance of early nutritional education as a strategy to support musculoskeletal health and reduce pain in physically active youth.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12299381/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NutrientsPub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.3390/nu17142381
Marta Ramírez-Munera, Raúl Arcusa, Francisco Javier López-Román, Vicente Ávila-Gandía, Silvia Pérez-Piñero, Juan Carlos Muñoz-Carrillo, Antonio Jesús Luque-Rubia, Javier Marhuenda
{"title":"Impact of Chronic Nitrate and Citrulline Malate Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Spanish Professional Female Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Marta Ramírez-Munera, Raúl Arcusa, Francisco Javier López-Román, Vicente Ávila-Gandía, Silvia Pérez-Piñero, Juan Carlos Muñoz-Carrillo, Antonio Jesús Luque-Rubia, Javier Marhuenda","doi":"10.3390/nu17142381","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142381","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Pre-season training is critical for developing tolerance to high physical demands in professional soccer, and nitric oxide (NO) precursors such as dietary nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>) and citrulline malate (CM) can support performance and recovery during this demanding phase. This study aimed to examine the effects of a four-week supplementation protocol combining 500 mg of NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> from amaranth extract and 8 g of CM (NIT + CM) on external training load and post-match recovery in professional female soccer players during pre-season. <b>Methods</b>: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 34 female soccer players who received either the NIT + CM product or a placebo for four weeks during pre-season. Global positioning system (GPS)-derived external load was recorded throughout the intervention. Performance tests-a countermovement jump (CMJ) test and the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT)-and blood sampling for plasma NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> and nitrite (NO<sub>2</sub><sup>-</sup>) concentrations were conducted at baseline and the day after a competitive match. <b>Results</b>: The supplementation with NIT + CM increased maximal speed (Vmax) throughout training and match play. During post-match testing, the NIT + CM group exhibited a significantly smaller decline in mean (P<sub>mean</sub>) and minimum (P<sub>min</sub>) power during the WAnT, along with reduced power loss in both the first (0-15 s) and second (15-30 s) intervals. Plasma NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> concentrations significantly increased from baseline in the NIT + CM group and remained elevated 24 h after the final dose, confirming sustained systemic exposure. <b>Conclusions</b>: Chronic NIT + CM supplementation may enhance Vmax and help preserve anaerobic performance the day after a match. These effects could reflect improved tolerance to high training loads and sustained NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> availability during recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12300458/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NutrientsPub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.3390/nu17142378
Jann Foster
{"title":"Advances in Infant and Pediatric Feeding and Nutrition.","authors":"Jann Foster","doi":"10.3390/nu17142378","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142378","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This Special Issue presents original works and reviews that delve into how specific feeding strategies, spanning from lactation to complementary feeding in infancy, impact growth and neurofunctional development [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12298382/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NutrientsPub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.3390/nu17142382
Deepa Sannidhi, Ruth Abeles, William Andrew, Jonathan P Bonnet, Kenneth Vitale, Varalakshmi Niranjan, Mahima Gulati, Kaitlyn Pauly, Ryan Moran, Lydia Alexander, Cassidy Le, Suraj Rajan, Camila Romero
{"title":"Lifestyle Medicine for Obesity in the Era of Highly Effective Anti-Obesity Treatment.","authors":"Deepa Sannidhi, Ruth Abeles, William Andrew, Jonathan P Bonnet, Kenneth Vitale, Varalakshmi Niranjan, Mahima Gulati, Kaitlyn Pauly, Ryan Moran, Lydia Alexander, Cassidy Le, Suraj Rajan, Camila Romero","doi":"10.3390/nu17142382","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142382","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite recent advances in the treatment of obesity, lifestyle medicine remains foundational to the treatment of individuals with obesity, regardless of the modality chosen by the patient with the guidance of the clinician they are working with, including in conjunction with, as appropriate, anti-obesity medications and metabolic surgery. Lifestyle medicine involves the use of diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and other lifestyle modalities in the treatment of disease. Clinicians and health systems should, after a patient-centered discussion with the patient, do their best to ensure access to lifestyle treatments. Gold standard guidelines recommend intensive, multicomponent lifestyle change programs for obesity treatments with evidence-based diet and exercise counseling and established, theoretically driven behavior change components. Clinicians treating obesity should be aware of their own biases, make efforts to reduce stigmatizing experiences in their practice, and address weight stigma in their treatment plans as needed. A variety of dietary patterns can be used to support patients with obesity, and clinicians should make evidence-based but patient-centered recommendations that aim to maximize adherence. Diet and exercise can play an important role in reducing the side effects of treatment and optimizing outcomes in weight loss, attenuating the effects of metabolic adaptation, and weight maintenance. Exercise should be increased gradually to reduce injury with a goal of 200-300 min (approximately 3.3-5 h) of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise per week to maximize weight maintenance effects with exercise prescriptions customized to patients risks. A variety of practice models can be leveraged along with the use of an interdisciplinary team to provide lifestyle medicine care for those with obesity.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12300522/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NutrientsPub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.3390/nu17142376
Aitor Viribay, Julen Fernández-Landa, Jesús Seco-Calvo, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
{"title":"Reply to Trexler, E.T. Common Errors in Sports Nutrition Meta-Analyses Lead to Distortion of Pooled Effect Estimates. Comment on \"Viribay et al. Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Athletic Performance Based on Energy Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. <i>Nutrients</i> 2020, <i>12</i>, 1300\".","authors":"Aitor Viribay, Julen Fernández-Landa, Jesús Seco-Calvo, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso","doi":"10.3390/nu17142376","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142376","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We deeply appreciate the time and effort invested by the comment author [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12298715/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NutrientsPub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.3390/nu17142379
Katsuhiko Suzuki, Kazue Kanda, Sihui Ma
{"title":"Beverage-Specific Modulation of Urinary Inflammatory Biomarkers After Endurance Running in Trained Males.","authors":"Katsuhiko Suzuki, Kazue Kanda, Sihui Ma","doi":"10.3390/nu17142379","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142379","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The differential effects of post-exercise rehydration beverages on inflammatory processes and organ protection remain incompletely characterized. This study investigated how beverages with distinct compositions influence urinary biomarkers following endurance exercise. <b>Methods:</b> In a randomized crossover design, eight trained male runners performed 6000 m pace running followed by consumption of 500 mL of either: water (Drink 1), hypotonic sports drink (Drink 2, 200 mOsm/L), oral rehydration solution (Drink 3, 270 mOsm/L), or modified hypotonic formulation (Drink 4, 200 mOsm/L). After 60 min, participants completed a 1000 m time trial. Urine samples were collected at baseline, post-6000 m, and post-1000 m for analysis of biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokines. <b>Results:</b> No significant differences in 1000 m performance were observed between trials. Drink 3 significantly reduced creatinine and uric acid excretion compared to other beverages (<i>p</i> < 0.05), suggesting decreased waste product elimination. Creatinine-corrected intestinal fatty acid-binding protein values were lower with Drinks 2 and 3, indicating potential intestinal protection. Notably, Drink 4 showed modest but significant enhancement of IL-4 excretion (<i>p</i> < 0.05, <i>ηp</i><sup>2</sup> = 0.347), demonstrating beverage-specific modulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines with moderate effect sizes. <b>Conclusions:</b> Different beverage formulations exert distinct effects on waste product elimination, intestinal organ damage markers, and inflammatory cytokine profiles. These findings suggest that beverage selection should be tailored to specific recovery priorities and training contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12299340/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NutrientsPub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.3390/nu17142385
Matthew J Breit, Ann E Caldwell, Danielle M Ostendorf, Zhaoxing Pan, Seth A Creasy, Bryan Swanson, Kevin Clark, Emily B Hill, Paul S MacLean, Daniel H Bessesen, Edward L Melanson, Victoria A Catenacci
{"title":"Effects of 4:3 Intermittent Fasting on Eating Behaviors and Appetite Hormones: A Secondary Analysis of a 12-Month Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention.","authors":"Matthew J Breit, Ann E Caldwell, Danielle M Ostendorf, Zhaoxing Pan, Seth A Creasy, Bryan Swanson, Kevin Clark, Emily B Hill, Paul S MacLean, Daniel H Bessesen, Edward L Melanson, Victoria A Catenacci","doi":"10.3390/nu17142385","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142385","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Daily caloric restriction (DCR) is a common dietary weight loss strategy, but leads to metabolic and behavioral adaptations, including maladaptive eating behaviors and dysregulated appetite. Intermittent fasting (IMF) may mitigate these effects by offering diet flexibility during energy restriction. This secondary analysis compared changes in eating behaviors and appetite-related hormones between 4:3 intermittent fasting (4:3 IMF) and DCR and examined their association with weight loss over 12 months.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Adults with overweight or obesity were randomized to 4:3 IMF or DCR for 12 months. Both randomized groups received a matched targeted weekly dietary energy deficit (34%), comprehensive group-based behavioral support, and a prescription to increase moderate-intensity aerobic activity to 300 min/week. Eating behaviors were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline and months 3, 6, and 12. Fasting levels of leptin, ghrelin, peptide YY, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and adiponectin were measured at baseline and months 6 and 12. Linear mixed models and Pearson correlations were used to evaluate outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Included in this analysis were 165 adults (mean ± SD; age 42 ± 9 years, BMI 34.2 ± 4.3 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 74% female) randomized to 4:3 IMF (n = 84) or DCR (n = 81). At 12 months, binge eating and uncontrolled eating scores decreased in 4:3 IMF but increased in DCR (<i>p</i> < 0.01 for between-group differences). Among 4:3 IMF, greater weight loss was associated with decreased uncontrolled eating (r = -0.27, <i>p</i> = 0.03), emotional eating (r = -0.37, <i>p</i> < 0.01), and increased cognitive restraint (r = 0.35, <i>p</i> < 0.01) at 12 months. There were no between-group differences in changes in fasting appetite-related hormones at any time point.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Compared to DCR, 4:3 IMF exhibited improved binge eating and uncontrolled eating behaviors at 12 months. This may, in part, explain the greater weight loss achieved by 4:3 IMF versus DCR. Future studies should examine mechanisms underlying eating behavior changes with 4:3 IMF and their long-term sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12298406/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Acceptability of a Colorectal Cancer-Preventive Diet Promoting Red Meat Reduction and Increased Fiber and Micronutrient Intake: A Cross-Sectional Study in Romanian Adults.","authors":"Marius-Cătălin Belean, Teodor-Andrei Maghiar, Anca-Maria Căpraru, Andreea-Adriana Neamțu, Dan Iliescu, Valentin-Cristian Iovin, Flaviu-Ionuț Faur, Meda-Ada Bugi, Alina Totorean, Sorina Tăban, Sorin Dema, Cristina-Adriana Dehelean, Bogdan Dan Totolici, Ovidiu Laurian Pop, Octavian Crețu, Carmen Neamțu","doi":"10.3390/nu17142386","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142386","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with rising incidence in younger adults. Unhealthy diets high in red and processed meat and low in fiber are key modifiable risk factors, highlighting the need for preventive nutritional strategies targeting CRC through dietary interventions. <b>Methods</b>: A one-day sample diet for colorectal cancer prevention, consisting of fiber-rich meals excluding red meat and incorporating whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean protein alternatives (such as fish and poultry), was developed. Its acceptability was assessed in a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire among healthy Romanian adults aged 18-50, with a total of 395 included participants. <b>Results</b>: Of the 395 respondents meeting the inclusion criteria (aged 18-50, no cancer or chronic gastrointestinal disorders), 63.5% were females, predominantly urban (90.1%), and highly educated. Mean age was 32.4 years; mean BMI was 25.07 kg/m<sup>2</sup>. The proposed colorectal cancer-preventive diet was rated as \"quite attractive\" and \"very attractive\" by 74.9% of participants. All meals received high ratings, with dinner and the first snack being most favored. Most respondents (77.2%) found the diet satisfying and the satiety level and energy adequate, and 90.4% were willing to adopt it at least a few times per week. Financial accessibility was affirmed by 77.2% of the respondents. However, 61.8% reported difficulty eliminating red meat consumption. Female participants rated the diet significantly more attractive than males did (<i>p</i> = 0.041). Willingness to adopt the diet strongly correlated with higher acceptability (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), while BMI and education level showed no significant effect. <b>Conclusions</b>: The proposed colorectal cancer-preventive diet was well accepted by Romanian adults aged 18-50, with higher receptivity among women and those with higher education; willingness to adopt the diet at least a few days per week was high, especially among those psychologically ready for dietary change, while key barriers included red meat reduction and perceived cost, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive, culturally adapted interventions and further research on long-term adherence and clinical impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12300914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NutrientsPub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.3390/nu17142375
Eric T Trexler
{"title":"Common Errors in Sports Nutrition Meta-Analyses Lead to Distortion of Pooled Effect Estimates. Comment on Viribay et al. Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Athletic Performance Based on Energy Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. <i>Nutrients</i> 2020, <i>12,</i> 1300.","authors":"Eric T Trexler","doi":"10.3390/nu17142375","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142375","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Viribay and colleagues published a meta-analysis called \"Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Athletic Performance Based on Energy Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis\" in <i>Nutrients</i> in May of 2020. This meta-analysis sought to quantify the effects of arginine supplementation on aerobic and anaerobic performance outcomes. In the course of conducting this analysis, the researchers made multiple errors that are common among meta-analyses in the field of sports nutrition. This comment discusses how these issues impact the results and interpretation of the paper, and how individuals who are interpreting or conducting sports nutrition meta-analyses in the future can identify or avoid similar errors.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12298940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NutrientsPub Date : 2025-07-21DOI: 10.3390/nu17142380
Saniya Khan, Simone Di Cola, Silvia Lai, Flaminia Ferri, Vincenzo Cardinale, Manuela Merli
{"title":"Key Aspects in the Nutritional Management of Polycystic Liver Disease Patients.","authors":"Saniya Khan, Simone Di Cola, Silvia Lai, Flaminia Ferri, Vincenzo Cardinale, Manuela Merli","doi":"10.3390/nu17142380","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17142380","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of >10 fluid-filled cysts in the liver. While PLD can occur in isolation, it is most commonly associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, adding complexity to its management. PLD is often asymptomatic but can lead to hepatomegaly, causing symptoms such as abdominal distension, pain and discomfort, early satiety, gastroesophageal reflux, and malnutrition, ultimately affecting patients' quality of life. Current treatment strategies, including pharmacological and interventional approaches, focus on reducing liver volume and alleviating symptoms. However, management remains largely symptomatic, as no definitive therapies exist to halt cyst progression. Liver transplantation is the only curative option for patients with severe, progressive disease and refractory complications. The EASL guidelines recognize that PLD-related symptoms, primarily due to hepatomegaly, can contribute to involuntary weight loss and recommend assessing symptomatic patients for malnutrition and sarcopenia. Although evidence suggests that patients with PLD may be at risk of malnutrition, original data on the quality and extent of nutritional alterations remain scarce. The potential influence of nutrition on disease progression, symptom burden, and overall well-being is also largely unexplored. Given these knowledge gaps, addressing nutritional challenges, such as early satiety, is essential for optimizing symptom management and maintaining overall nutritional status. This review outlines a possible pathophysiology of malnutrition, specific dietary considerations and recommendations, and weight management in patients with PLD. Additionally, dietary complexities in patients with concurrent renal involvement are discussed, offering a practical framework for clinicians and dietitians in managing this challenging condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12299131/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144743438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}