Nutrients最新文献

{"title":"The Longitudinal Influence of Parent-Grandparent Coparenting Relationships on Preschoolers' Eating Behaviors in Chinese Urban Families: The Mediating Roles of Caregivers' Feeding Behaviors.","authors":"Zhihui Zhao, Fangge Qu, Ruxing Wu, Xiaoxue Wei, Xinyi Song, Chenjun Wu, Jian Wang, Wenzhe Hua, Daqiao Zhu","doi":"10.3390/nu17182961","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182961","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The early development of children's eating behaviors is a complex process shaped by dynamic interactions within the family system. While extensive research has focused on parental feeding practices as a primary predictor of children's eating behaviors, the role of intergenerational coparenting dynamics (especially with involved grandparents) is less studied. This study aimed to examines how primary caregivers' feeding behaviors mediate the relationship between parent-grandparent coparenting dynamics and children's eating behaviors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a longitudinal study among 343 stem families with preschool children. The cross-lagged analysis was applied to examine: the mechanism of parent-grandparent coparenting relationships on preschool children's eating behaviors and the bidirectional relationship between feeding behaviors and eating behaviors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results revealed that coparenting agreement significantly and negatively predicted satiety responsiveness through the mediating role of parental encouragement of healthy eating (<i>β</i> = -0.012, 95% CI [-0.022, -0.001]). Similarly, coparenting support had a significant negatively indirect effect on satiety responsiveness, also partially mediated by parental encouragement of healthy eating (<i>β</i> = -0.012, 95% CI [-0.023, -0.002]). The association between coparenting undermining and satiety responsiveness was mediated by parental encouragement healthy eating (<i>β</i> = -0.612, 95% CI [-0.796, -0.429]). Mutual predictive relationships were observed between preschool children's satiety responsiveness and parental encouragement of healthy eating (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study results highlighted the critical role of parent-grandparent coparenting relationships as indirect predictors of preschoolers' eating behavior through mediator of parental feeding behaviors. Importantly, healthcare providers may be able to offer anticipatory guidance or relevant healthy eating resources to parents and grandparents, who should be recognized as important stakeholders in promoting healthy eating among children.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472853/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177243","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":"Survival and Impact on Microbial Diversity of <i>Lacticaseibacillus paracasei</i> DG in a Simulation of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem.","authors":"Cindy Duysburgh, Walter Fiore, Massimo Marzorati","doi":"10.3390/nu17182952","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182952","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> The probiotic <i>Lacticaseibacillus paracasei</i> DG (LpDG) has shown promising results for various gastrointestinal diseases. This study evaluated the survival, metabolic activity, and impact on colonic microbiota of LpDG in an in vitro gastrointestinal tract simulation. <b>Methods:</b> Encapsulated LpDG was tested under simulated fed, fasted, and shortened fasted conditions compared with a blank control in a modified Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME^®) reactor. Capsule integrity, and cell culturability and viability were assessed at the end of each digestion phase. Metabolic activity (pH, total gas production, and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, lactate, and ammonium) was assessed after a 24 h colonic incubation with a faecal inoculum. The impact of LpDG on the colonic microbial community was analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and shallow shotgun sequencing. <b>Results:</b> The capsule was completely degraded at the end of the jejunum under all conditions. A low pH had a minimal impact on LpDG culturability and viability. Compared with blank control, LpDG remained metabolically active in the microbial community following a 24 h colonic incubation (LpDG [0-24 h] vs. blank control [0-24 h]: ΔpH, decreased [0.29-0.38 vs. 0.12-0.34]; Δlactic acid, decreased [1.52-1.69 mM vs. 0.13-0.21 mM]; and Δbutyrate, increased [7.49-10.52 mM vs. 5.19-7.76 mM]). Under fed conditions, treatment with LpDG compared with blank control significantly decreased levels of <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Blautia wexlerae</i> and increased Clostridiaceae, Eubacteriaceae, and Lachnospiraceae. <b>Conclusions:</b> LpDG remains viable and metabolically active in the gastrointestinal tract, positively affecting intestinal microbiota and metabolite production.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472629/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177115","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":"Human Gut Microbiota Profiles Related to Mediterranean and West African Diets and Association with <i>Blastocystis</i> Subtypes.","authors":"Lorenzo Antonetti, Federica Berrilli, Marina Cardellini, Massimo Federici, Rossella D'Alfonso","doi":"10.3390/nu17182950","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182950","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: The effects of geographical origin, alongside age, diet, and drug treatments, on the gut microbiota have not been thoroughly analyzed in African countries. Furthermore, eukaryotic components, including <i>Blastocystis</i>, the most common intestinal protozoan worldwide, require further investigation. This study compares the gut microbiota of Italian subjects with that of two African groups to examine the influence of dietary patterns and the effects of <i>Blastocystis</i> presence and subtypes. <b>Methods</b>: Three cohorts of healthy subjects (Italians residing in Rome, Africans residing in the Côte d'Ivoire, and Africans living in Italy) were compared by sequencing the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rDNA gene. Taxa abundance and associations with typical West African and Italian foods were determined using DESeq2. Co-abundant genera were identified with a weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). <i>Blastocystis</i> subtypes were determined and correlated with the microbial composition in the three groups. <b>Results</b>: Distinct microbial taxa were associated with specific foods, including palm oil, Cube Maggi, sunflower oil, and olive oil. A Mediterranean diet consumed for over two years did not alter the abundance of <i>Faecalibacterium</i> and <i>Dorea</i> in the Africans living in Italy compared with Africans living in Côte d'Ivoire, whereas differences were observed in the abundance of some <i>Prevotella-</i>9, <i>Bacteroides</i>, and <i>Lachnospiraceae</i> OTUs. Significant associations were identified between palm oil and <i>Subdoligranulum</i>, Cube Maggi and <i>Dorea</i>, sunflower oil and the <i>Ruminococcus</i> torques group, and olive oil and <i>Faecalibacterium</i>. Concerning <i>Blastocystis</i>, alpha and beta diversity analysis showed a significant separation between carriers and non-carriers. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study provides the first comparative analysis of gut microbiota composition between individuals from Côte d'Ivoire and Italians focusing on the influence of distinct dietary patterns.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472930/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177141","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":"Human Breast Milk Extracellular Vesicles Mitigate Endothelial Dysfunction.","authors":"Young-Eun Cho, Shaoshuai Chen, Keith Crouch, Damon Shutt, Justin W Kaufman, Brajesh K Singh","doi":"10.3390/nu17182953","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182953","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is an early sign of compromised vascular integrity and is associated with various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a central role in this process. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from milk have known anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in suppressing TLR4 activation. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of human breast milk-derived EVs (HBM-EVs) in mitigating EC dysfunction related to CVDs. <b>Methods</b>: HBM-EVs were isolated from the breast milk of healthy nursing mothers using ultracentrifugation. HBM-EVs were applied to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and inflammatory marker expression was assessed through qPCR and Western blotting. Mitochondrial oxidative stress was measured using MitoSOX. The effects of HBM-EVs were further evaluated in ex vivo studies using mesenteric arteries from diet-induced obese mice. Additionally, the effect of HBM-EVs on angiogenesis was tested via a wound closure assay. <b>Results</b>: In HUVECs, pre-treatment with HBM-EVs inhibited LPS-induced expression of inflammatory markers, including IL-6 and VCAM-1, as well as the phosphorylation of NFκB. Additionally, HBM-EVs reduced LPS-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress. In animal studies, HBM-EV treatment restored EC-dependent vasorelaxation in mesenteric arteries from diet-induced obese mice. Furthermore, HBM-EVs enhanced EC migration, leading to improved wound closure in HUVECs. <b>Conclusion</b>: This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of HBM-EVs in alleviating EC dysfunction, offering a promising new approach to the treatment of CVDs. Future research will focus on identifying the specific cargo of HBM-EVs and further exploring their therapeutic mechanisms in endothelial dysfunction.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472446/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177088","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":"Adherence to Three Mediterranean Dietary Indexes and All-Cause, Cardiovascular, and Cancer Mortality in an Older Mediterranean Population.","authors":"Carolina Ojeda-Belokon, Sandra González-Palacios, Laura María Compañ-Gabucio, Alejandro Oncina-Cánovas, Manuela García-de-la-Hera, Jesús Vioque, Laura Torres-Collado","doi":"10.3390/nu17182956","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182956","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: A higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with a lower risk of death in different populations, but this association has been insufficiently investigated in the elderly Spanish population. In this study, we assess the association between adherence to three MedDiet indexes and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in a population aged 65 years and older in Spain. <b>Methods:</b> The population included 903 participants from two population-based surveys. Diet was assessed at baseline by using validated food-frequency questionnaires (FFQ). We calculated scores of adherence to the MedDiet for three indexes: alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMED), relative Mediterranean Diet Score (rMED) and 17-item energy-restricted Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (erMEDAS). Deaths were ascertained through the National Death Index of Spain and the Mortality Registry in the Valencian Region during a 12 year follow-up period. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), adjusting for relevant confounders. <b>Results:</b> During the 12 years of follow-up, 403 deaths occurred: 160 due to CVD and 90 to cancer. Compared to participants in the lowest tertile of adherence to aMED, those in the highest tertile showed a 30% lower risk of all-cause mortality, HR = 0.70 (95% CI 0.51-0.96). In addition, per two-point increase in aMED, we observed a 17% lower risk of all-cause mortality, HR = 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.95), and a 21% lower risk of CVD mortality, HR = 0.79 (95% CI 0.64-0.99). A 9% lower risk of all-cause mortality was also observed per two-point increase in the rMED score, HR = 0.91 (95% CI 0.84-0.99). Compared to participants in the lowest tertile of adherence to rMED, those in the highest tertile showed evidence of a marginally significant, lower risk of cancer mortality, HR = 0.55 (95% CI 0.29-1.04). No association was observed between the erMEDAS index and mortality for any cause. <b>Conclusions:</b> High adherence to the MedDiet, as measured by aMED and rMED indexes, was associated with lower all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality in an older Mediterranean population after 12 years of follow-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177092","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":"Physical Activity and Mediterranean Diet: A Focus on University Students' Habits.","authors":"Vincenza Sansone, Silvia Angelillo, Giovanna Paduano, Gaia D'Antonio, Concetta Paola Pelullo, Gabriella Di Giuseppe","doi":"10.3390/nu17182951","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182951","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits are among the major global public health concerns, contributing significantly to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. <b>Objectives</b>: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and dietary choices among undergraduate university students in Southern Italy. <b>Methods</b>: The cross-sectional survey was carried out through an anonymous web-based questionnaire. <b>Results</b>: Among the 500 university students who agreed to participate, only 3.4% of students reported regularly consuming five or more portions of fruits and vegetables per day, while 43.8% consumed 3-5 portions of starchy foods. Regarding fats, 31.2% reported consuming 2-3 portions of olive oil or butter per day. Men and those not having a health problem in the previous 12 months were less likely to adhere to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on PA. Older students, those who consumed at least 5 meals per day, and those who acquired information from at least one source of information were more likely to adhere to the WHO recommendations on PA. <b>Conclusions</b>: Targeted initiatives promoting regular PA and healthy diets are essential to improving students' health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177185","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":"Synergistic Effects of Green Tea Extract and Ginger Supplementation on Endurance Performance and Thermal Perception in Normothermic and Cold Environments: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Crossover Trial.","authors":"Abdullah Demirli, Süleyman Ulupınar, Merve Terzi, Serhat Özbay, Abdullah Bora Özkara, Cebrail Gençoğlu, Ibrahim Ouergui, Luca Paolo Ardigò","doi":"10.3390/nu17182949","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182949","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study assessed the individual and combined effects of green tea extract and ginger supplementation on endurance performance, metabolic responses, perceived exertion, thermal sensation, and muscle soreness in normothermic and cold environmental conditions. <b>Methods</b>: In a randomized, double-blind crossover trial, sixteen recreationally active males (age: 23.4 ± 0.4 years; VO₂ max: 46.8 ± 2.8 mL/kg/min) were tested in eight conditions (placebo [maltodextrin], green tea [500 mg], ginger [1000 mg], combined), all in normothermic (21-24 °C) and cold (5-7 °C) environments. All supplements and the placebo were encapsulated in identical capsules to ensure blinding. Participants completed a submaximal time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test at 70% VO₂ max on a cycle ergometer. TTE, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation (TSS), and muscle soreness via a visual analog scale (VAS), assessed 24 h post-exercise, were measured. <b>Results</b>: In normothermic condition, green tea and combined supplementation significantly increased TTE and reduced RER compared to the placebo (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and that combined supplementation lowered RPE relative to the placebo and ginger (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). In cold conditions, combined supplementation significantly enhanced TTE, reduced RER, and improved TSS compared to the placebo and ginger (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while all supplements decreased VAS relative to the placebo (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Ginger alone showed no significant effect on TTE or RER but improved TSS and VAS in cold compared to the placebo (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Cold placebo conditions exhibited significantly higher RPE and VAS than all normothermic conditions (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: Green tea enhances endurance and fat oxidation in normothermic conditions, while its combination with ginger can optimize performance, thermal comfort, and recovery in cold environments. These findings suggest a practical nutritional strategy for mitigating environmental stress during exercise, specific to the acute supplementation in males. Trial Registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT07150533).</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472691/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177081","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":"Discovery of Anti-Aging Effects of Wheat Bran Extract in a D-Galactose-Induced Rat Model of Oxidative Stress.","authors":"Kaori Kobayashi, Keshari Sudasinghe, Ryan Bender, Md Suzauddula, Cheng Li, Cen Wu, Yonghui Li, Weiqun Wang","doi":"10.3390/nu17182954","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182954","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Wheat bran is known for its anti-aging effects, primarily due to its antioxidant properties. Our previous study identified novel antioxidants in wheat bran (xylo-oligosaccharides and protein hydrolysates) using an innovative extraction method. However, the anti-aging potential of these wheat bran extracts (WBEs) remains unclear. <b>Methods:</b> This study evaluated the anti-aging effects of WBE in a D-galactose-induced aging model using Wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups: (1) saline-injected control, (2) D-galactose-injected control, (3) D-galactose + 5% WBE, and (4) D-galactose + 10% WBE. After six weeks, body weight, food intake, body fat percentage, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and liver senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) levels were assessed. <b>Results:</b> D-galactose significantly reduced food intake in positive control 87 ± 21%/weekly (negative control; <i>p</i> < 0.05, 107 ± 20%/weekly for 10%WBE; <i>p</i> < 0.01. Body fat percentage (positive control: 84 ± 19% vs. 5% WBE: 110 ± 20%, <i>p</i> < 0.05 in 100% convert). It also lowered erythrocyte SOD activity; 68.6 ± 9%, <i>p</i> < 0.01 in 100% conversion). WBE supplementation restored SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner (5% WBE: 32,479 ± 12,773 U/mL; 10% WBE: 42,368 ± 20,281 U/mL. Although D-galactose did not elevate significantly SA-β-gal activity in the liver, WBE supplementation still led to a dose-dependent reduction in baseline SA-β-gal levels (294 ± 84 nmol/min/mg protein vs. 5% WBE: 181 ± 65 nmol/min/mg protein, and 10% WBE: 146 ± 40 nmol/min/mg protein. <i>p</i> < 0.001). No significant group differences were found in hepatic SOD2, catalase (liver and skin), or telomerase reverse transcriptase expression. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings suggest that wheat bran extracts mitigate D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in circulation, indicating potential anti-aging benefits. However, their effects at the tissue level remain inconclusive. Further studies are needed to explore molecular mechanisms and refine intervention duration.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472587/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145176856","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":"Effects of Fermented Soy on Cognition in Older Adults: Outcomes of a Randomized, Controlled Trial.","authors":"Laura M West, Joan Sabaté, Ifeanyi D Nwachukwu, Grace J Lee, Rawiwan Sirirat, Amandeep Wright, Sujatha Rajaram","doi":"10.3390/nu17182936","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182936","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Soy foods and isoflavones are inversely associated with cognitive decline; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show mixed results. Fermented soy contains bioactive compounds not found in unfermented soybeans, such as peptides and aglycone isoflavones, which may support cognition by reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Fermented soy RCTs on older adults with mild cognitive impairment show cognitive benefits; however, the effects of fermented soy on cognitively healthy older adults are not known. <b>Methods</b>: We investigated the effects of a non-probiotic fermented soy powder, added to the usual diet, compared to a placebo matched for energy on global cognition, memory, verbal fluency, processing speed, and executive function in a 12-week RCT on 61 adults aged 65 years and older (74 ± 5 y; 47 completers). <b>Results</b>: The fermented soy group showed significant improvement (<i>p</i> = 0.041) in memory scores (1.81%, 95% CI: -2.10, 5.72) vs. placebo (1.16%, 95% CI: -3.64, 5.97) using analysis of variance, adjusted for sex and baseline scores. Post hoc analyses on women 70 years and older (<i>n</i> = 29) found significant improvement in global cognition (<i>p</i> = 0.028) and memory (<i>p</i> = 0.049) in the fermented soy group. Global cognition mean change adjusted for baseline scores was 2.86% (95% CI: 1.52, 4.21) for fermented soy and 0.06% (95% CI: -1.43, 1.55) for placebo. Memory mean change adjusted for baseline scores was 8.47% (95% CI: 5.05, 11.89) in the fermented soy group, compared to 2.05% (95% CI: -1.75, 5.84) for placebo. <b>Conclusions</b>: These outcomes suggest that fermented soy has the potential to slow age-related cognitive decline, especially memory for women 70 and older. Further research to confirm these findings in older women, and in males and other age categories is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177232","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":"Validation and Application of an Online Self-Assessment Questionnaire for the Assessment of Perception of Functional Foods: A Cross-Sectional Psychometric Study in Adults.","authors":"Leandro Oliveira, Ahmed Othman Alsabih, Hani A Alfheeaid, Najla A Albaridi, Sehad N Alarifi, Nada Alqarawi, Ibrahim Alasqah, António Raposo","doi":"10.3390/nu17182938","DOIUrl":"10.3390/nu17182938","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> The increasing interest in functional foods has highlighted the need to better understand consumer perceptions and their influence on dietary behaviours. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Perception of Functional Foods (QAPAF) and apply it to a Portuguese adult population to explore associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. <b>Methods:</b> Participants were recruited through convenience sampling; the achieved sample was predominantly female and highly educated. The 17-item QAPAF was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and test-retest reliability. Associations between QAPAF scores and participant characteristics were analysed using non-parametric tests. <b>Results:</b> EFA supported a four-factor structure, explaining 58.8% of total variance. Internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.70), and test-retest analysis (<i>n</i> = 25) showed no significant score differences, indicating temporal stability. QAPAF scores were significantly higher among participants with higher education and among non-smokers and non-drinkers. No associations were found with sex, BMI, or income. Participants with correct understanding of functional foods were more likely to reject misconceptions and express trust in professional recommendations. <b>Conclusions:</b> The QAPAF is a valid and reliable tool for assessing functional food perceptions. Its application provides insights into consumer attitudes and may support the design of targeted food literacy interventions. Generalizability is limited by the convenience sampling and by the predominance of female and highly educated participants; external validation in more diverse samples and cultural contexts is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":19486,"journal":{"name":"Nutrients","volume":"17 18","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12472828/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145177233","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}