Journal of Nutritional Science最新文献

{"title":"Balancing nutrition, ethics, and sustainability about dairy: UK consumers' knowledge, attitudes, practice, and intended choices.","authors":"Hattie Bracey, Michael Barnard, Solveig Mendowski, Jérémie Renaud, Stuart R Gray, Emilie Combet","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10109","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Milk is nutritionally rich, but its production poses ethical and environmental concerns. Farming practices can influence milk's nutritional quality and improve its sustainability, creating opportunities for innovation. This study explores consumer willingness to adopt improved products and the interrelationships of knowledge and attitudes towards the dairy industry in relation to purchasing and consumption. We conducted an online survey of UK adults from November 2021 to March 2022, covering knowledge and attitudes towards dairy, dairy consumption, likelihood to purchase improved milk, and socio-demographics. Participants were classified as low or high dairy consumers based on their intake: below or above 1.81 dairy portions per day. Of the 706 dairy consumers who completed the survey, 47% reported consuming ≥1.81 portions of dairy products daily. High dairy consumption predicted more positive attitudes towards dairy farmers than lower consumption. Conversely, low consumption was associated with greater concern for animal welfare and the environmental implications of dairy (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Price was the most important consideration when purchasing milk habitually; however, when presented with four different descriptions of milk, 41% of participants said they would definitely or very probably buy the product with improved trade, welfare, and sustainability standards, despite this product having the highest price per litre. Balancing the nutritional value of cows' milk with the environmental consequences and ethical concerns of its production is a critical part of the debate to foster a food system that supports planetary and human health. Altering production methods and improving products can be part of the food system transformation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e51"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13369254/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148457502","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":"Independent and combined associations of dietary antioxidant exposure with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the general population.","authors":"Zhijun Liu, Zhuojian He, Yanfei Xing","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10117","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to determine if habitual intake of key dietary antioxidants, both individually and collectively, is associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among U.S. adults, given that oxidative stress heightens cardiovascular and cancer mortality risk. This prospective cohort study analysed 34,955 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2018. Intakes of vitamins A, C, E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoids were assessed, and a composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) was calculated. The principal results, from 347,580 person-years of follow-up where 4,456 deaths occurred (1,368 CVD; 1,038 cancer), showed significant associations. Compared with the lowest intake quintile, the highest quintile of vitamin E was associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.58-0.83) and CVD mortality (HR: 0.67, 0.48-0.92). High carotenoid intake was inversely associated with all-cause mortality (HR: 0.77, 0.67-0.88). Participants in the highest CDAI quintile experienced an 18% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.82, 0.70-0.97) and a 39% lower risk of cancer mortality (HR: 0.61, 0.45-0.84). Dose-response relationships for vitamins A, C, selenium, and zinc were U-or L-shaped, and WQS analyses assigned the greatest weights to vitamin A or C. In conclusion, while individual antioxidants like vitamin E show strong protective associations, the evidence collectively suggests that greater overall antioxidant exposure from a varied diet is linked to materially lower risks of death. This reinforces that focusing on diets rich in diverse antioxidant sources is superior to single-nutrient strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e53"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13369252/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148457505","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":"Development and validation of a food frequency questionnaire for national nutrition surveillance among Malaysian adolescents and adults.","authors":"Kimberly Yuin Y'ng Wong, Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Ruhaya Salleh, Lalitha Palaniveloo, Azli Baharudin, Noor Ul-Aziha Muhammad, Khairul Hasnan Amali, Sulhariza Husni Zain, Wai Kent Lai","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10119","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Food habits vary across ethnic groups and geographical regions. However, validated dietary assessment tools accounting for such diversity remain limited. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed and validated to assess the habitual food intake of adolescents and adults across Malaysia. The 147-item FFQ was constructed using commonly consumed foods from five main ethnicities (Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Sabah and Sarawak indigenous groups) identified from national surveys. A cross-sectional validation study was conducted among purposively sampled healthy individuals aged 10-59 years from 16 administrative regions. Trained community nutritionists administered the FFQ to assess monthly intake, alongside a three-day dietary record and recall (3DRR) covering two weekdays and one weekend. Spearman's correlation, Bland-Altman plots, and quartile cross-classification evaluated the agreement between the FFQ and 3DRR for energy, macronutrients, and selected micronutrients (Vitamin C, thiamine, calcium, and iron). Respondents (n = 361; 50.3% adults, 49.7% adolescents) were 50.4% female and represented five main ethnicities (range: 15.8-25.2%), with 60.4% from Peninsular Malaysia. Energy intake estimated by the FFQ (median: 2285 kcal) was significantly higher than by the 3DRR (median: 1785 kcal; Wilcoxon p < 0.001). Spearman's correlation coefficients observed for energy (crude r = 0.31), and selected nutrients (energy-adjusted r range: 0.19-0.38), along with <10% of extreme quartile misclassification indicated acceptable ranking ability and agreement for most nutrients. Bland-Altman plots indicated no proportional bias for energy and macronutrients. In conclusion, the FFQ is a valid tool for assessing dietary intake within the multi-ethnic Malaysian population nationwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e48"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13323619/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148377598","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":"Infant and young child feeding in rural Bangladesh: insights into knowledge, practices, and associated factors.","authors":"Zihadul Sheikh, Md Shahadoth Hossain, Masum Ali, Rafid Hassan, Md Mahbub Alam, Md Ruhul Amin","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10121","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are essential for ensuring child growth, development, and survival. However, comprehensive evidence on IYCF knowledge, practices, and their determinants among rural mothers in Bangladesh remains limited. This study aimed to assess IYCF knowledge and practices and to identify the factors associated with these outcomes among rural mothers in Bangladesh. This study utilised data from the third round of the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS), focusing on rural mothers aged 15-49 years with children aged 0-23 months. A total of 873 samples were included in the study. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were utilised to investigate the prevalence and determinants of IYCF knowledge and practices. Findings revealed that only 30.3% of mothers had adequate IYCF knowledge, and an equal proportion adhered to overall IYCF practices. Multivariate regression analysis showed that maternal education, geographic region, and household wealth quintile were significant predictors of IYCF knowledge. Breastfeeding practices were associated with the child's age, place of delivery, geographic region, household wealth, and maternal IYCF knowledge. Complementary feeding practices were mainly influenced by the child's age, sex, and household wealth quintile. Overall adherence to recommended IYCF practices was significantly associated with the child's age and geographic region. This study reveals persistently low IYCF knowledge and overall IYCF practices among rural mothers in Bangladesh. Strengthening maternal education, promoting community-based nutrition counselling, expanding access to health services in underserved regions, and targeting low-income households with tailored support are essential to improve child feeding practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e50"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13312372/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148354108","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":"Improving data sharing in nutritional science: a symposium report of challenges, opportunities, and best practice recommendations.","authors":"Lauren Danielle Devine, Martina Rooney, Yashvee Dunneram, Eileen R Gibney, Kiera McNeice, Douglas Taren, Frederik Moller, Heli Reinivuo, Ellen Trolle, Mikael Fogelholm, Kirsi Laitinen, Bernard M Corfe","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10112","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper summarises the proceedings from two symposia (IUNS-ICN, 2025 and a FENS Task Force Northern Europe Networking webinar, 2025) convened to discuss the status of data sharing in nutritional science, with a focus on the challenges, opportunities, and solutions for achieving future best practice and available nutrition-related data and exemplar collaborations. Improved data sharing practices offer the potential to enhance research efficiency and impact. Despite this, data sharing is constrained by structural, cultural, and methodological barriers. Challenges include institutional/geographical data fragmentation, dataset heterogeneity, time- and resource-intensive requirements, GDPR/consent considerations, and publication-focused academic incentives over data stewardship. Opportunities include the exploration of new research questions, reduced data duplication, and more robust, conclusive, and equitable science. Transitioning toward effective data sharing practices will require coordinated action across academic institutions, the research community, funders, and publishers, including clear training, incentives, policies, and an overall cultural shift toward open science.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e49"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13312355/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148354111","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":"Barriers and facilitators to dietary change while aiming to reduce free sugar intakes: framework analysis based on intervention, time for change, and success at 12 weeks.","authors":"Lucy R Boxall, Hannah Dalby, Emily Arden-Close, Janet James, Katherine M Appleton","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10118","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to reducing free sugar intakes while participants were in the process of attempting to do this. Sixty-two adults with free sugar intakes >5% total energy intake; participants in a randomised controlled trial examining the effects of three different dietary recommendations versus control for reducing free sugar intakes were interviewed at either 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks after receiving their recommendation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and framework analysis based on recommendation received, time for change, and success in reducing free sugar intakes at 12 weeks. Thematic analysis revealed seven interactive themes leading to dietary change: 'Is it possible?'; 'Power of knowledge'; 'Personal balance and empowerment'; 'Habitual approach'; 'Realities of life'; 'Extensive awareness and viewpoint'; and 'Proof and impact'. Framework analysis revealed greater knowledge, including knowledge related to practical solutions, in intervention groups compared to control; greater intentions and expectations at the start of the process, followed by increasing or decreasing engagement and satisfaction over time, with noticeable physical and subjective proof occurring from 4 weeks; and active engagement, with growing confidence and motivation in those who ended the trial having reduced their free sugar intakes compared to more passive attitudes in those less successful. Our findings demonstrate clear variation in barriers and facilitators to reducing free sugar intakes throughout the process, dependent also on recommendation received and individual orientation. Suggestions for improving free sugar intake reduction can be offered based on these differences.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e47"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13279952/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148296994","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":"Randomised feasibility trial of a remotely delivered holistic UK employee programme combining tailored sleep hygiene, diet, and physical activity counselling for weight management: a mixed-methods evaluation.","authors":"Andrea Du Preez, Danae Marshall, Lorraine Kelly, Kirti Swift, Zak Evans, Michael Clinton, Rakhee Doshi, Charlotte Fitzhugh, Benjamin Gardner, Rachel Gibson, Wendy L Hall","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10104","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Workplaces offer a key setting for health improvement interventions, given their reach and potential to promote lasting behaviour change. While diet and physical activity (PA) are common targets, sleep remains an underexplored yet influential factor in employee health. This randomised feasibility trial evaluated the practicality and acceptability of a 14-week, remotely delivered sleep-enhanced intervention (SEI) integrating sleep, PA, and diet, compared with a standard intervention (SI) focusing on PA and diet only, with exploratory assessment of behavioural and health-related outcomes. Staff from a UK higher education institution (<i>n</i> = 28) with short sleep duration (<7 h) and elevated cardiometabolic risk were randomised to SEI or SI. Quantitative data included self-reported and objective measures of PA, sleep, diet, and anthropometry over 14 weeks. Feasibility outcomes (recruitment, retention, compliance) and acceptability were assessed through qualitative interviews informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Recruitment targets were achieved with 82% retention and 84% adherence. The SEI group showed indications of improvement in PA, dietary behaviours, anxiety symptoms, and sleep hygiene, while both groups showed reductions in BMI and waist circumference. Qualitative data highlighted the value of personalised guidance, peer support, and accountability, but also noted that the SEI's complexity sometimes hindered adherence. The WHOLE trial demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely delivered, holistic lifestyle intervention for UK employees. A phased or extended approach may enhance sustainability and engagement in future large-scale evaluations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e45"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13279985/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148297058","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":"Dietary assessment tools for children and adolescents in Latin America: a scoping review.","authors":"Milca Vidal, Muhammed Iqbal, Janet Cade, Camilla Nykjaer","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10116","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10116","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurately assessing dietary intake in children and adolescents is essential for understanding dietary patterns and informing public health strategies. In Latin America, rapid nutrition transitions and increasing childhood obesity highlight the need for culturally appropriate, validated dietary assessment tools (DATs). However, methodological challenges and limited regional data hinder effective dietary surveillance. This scoping review identified and characterised DATs used among children and adolescents (5-18 years) in Latin America, examining tool types, features, validation and regional coverage. Following Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, comprehensive searches were conducted in EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and LILACS (April 2024) in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Eligible studies included original research developing, validating, or applying DATs in Latin American populations. Of 13,946 records screened, 105 reports met the inclusion criteria. Brazil and Mexico contributed the most studies, while six countries (Paraguay, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, and Belize) had none. Forty-three DATs were identified, 77% of which were food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Half targeted adolescents, 39% children, and 11% both groups. Most were interviewer-administered (58%) and applied in person (49%), with only 19% conducted online, reflecting regional digital limitations. Validation was reported for 70% of tools, primarily against 24 HR. The DAT landscape in Latin America remains dominated by FFQs and traditional administration methods, with limited use of digital platforms. Developing age-appropriate, validated and culturally adapted digital DATs is essential to strengthen dietary surveillance and guide effective nutrition policies across the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e46"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13279971/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148297046","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":"Low 25(OH)Vitamin D levels are associated with nutritional risk and disease severity in outpatient individuals with advanced chronic liver disease.","authors":"Josile Maria da Conceição Albuquerque, José Israel Rodrigues Junior, Aryana Isabelle de Almeida Neves Siqueira, Juliana Célia de Farias Santos, João Araújo de Barros-Neto, Nassib Bezerra Bueno, Fabiana Andréa Moura","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10113","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)VitD], disease severity, nutritional and functional status in individuals with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). Clinical assessment included Child-Pugh, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na), and MELD 3.0 scores, as well as the presence of ascites. Nutritional status was assessed using disease-specific screening tools, anthropometry, body composition measures, including Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), sarcopenia and Liver Frailty Index (LFI). A total of 47 outpatients with ACLD were evaluated. 25(OH)VitD insufficiency (<30 ng/mL) prevalence was 76.6%. After multivariate adjustment, insufficiency was significantly associated with Child-Pugh B/C (OR = 8.247; <i>p</i> = 0.013), ascites (OR = 15.382; <i>p</i> = 0.016), and nutritional risk by RFH-NPT (OR = 13.168; <i>p</i> = 0.015). No independent associations were found with sarcopenia or frailty. Notably, ascites emerged as the pivotal link between clinical decompensation and nutritional vulnerability; its presence is a primary RFH-NPT criterion, which remained the only nutritional marker independently associated with vitamin D depletion. In conclusion, 25(OH)VitD insufficiency was associated with advanced disease severity and nutritional vulnerability. Patients at nutritional risk had 13.2 times higher odds of 25(OH)VitD insufficiency, while those with ascites and Child-Pugh B/C showed 15.4 and 8.2 times higher odds, respectively. These findings emphasise that 25(OH)VitD levels are more closely linked to early nutritional risk than to established sarcopenia and frailty in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e44"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13279962/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148297033","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":"Dietary fish oil improves intestinal barrier function and intestinal microbiota composition and reduces systemic inflammation in a mouse model of moderate acute malnutrition.","authors":"Grace E Patterson, Elvia Yaneth Osorio, Sara M Dann, Peter C Melby","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10114","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute malnutrition (wasting) remains a global public health problem. Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) and supplemental foods (RUSF) for treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), respectively, come in the form of macro- and micronutrient-dense pastes. These lipid-dense treatments provide the energy and nutrients needed to support growth but have significant rates of relapse. Their role in reversing pathophysiological contributors to malnutrition, such as intestinal barrier dysfunction, intestinal dysbiosis, and systemic inflammation have not been evaluated. Traditional lipid-dense RUTFs and RUSFs are rich in pro-inflammatory omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but low in anti-inflammatory omega-3 PUFAs, which could fuel malnutrition-related pathological inflammation. We reasoned that reduced dietary omega-6 (<i>n</i>-6) PUFAs and increased dietary long-chain omega-3 (<i>n</i>-3) PUFAs found in fish oil would reduce malnutrition-related pathological inflammation. In an established mouse model of MAM, we observed that altering the dietary <i>n</i>-3/<i>n</i>-6 PUFA ratio through replacing dietary corn oil with fish oil improved the diversity and composition of the caecal microbiota, improved intestinal mucosal barrier and immune defence, reduced translocation of bacteria and bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and dampened systemic inflammation. Furthermore, dietary fish oil protected against weight loss upon systemic challenge with bacterial LPS. The anti-inflammatory effects of dietary fish oil did not compromise host defence against challenge with the intestinal pathogen, <i>Citrobacter rodentium</i>. Collectively, these results suggest that dietary fish oil blunts inflammation that contributes to the pathogenesis of MAM. Inclusion of fish oil in dietary interventions may be beneficial in prevention or reduction of malnutrition-associated inflammation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e43"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13279968/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148297009","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}