Journal of Nutritional Science最新文献

{"title":"Incorporating the use of puppets and puppetry-based approaches in nutrition: a scoping review of interventions.","authors":"Basil H Aboul-Enein, Nada Benajiba, Majd Jan, Sarah Ali Alasmari, Patricia J Kelly, Stephen F Gambescia, Elizabeth Dodge","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10102","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Puppetry-based activities could serve as a low cost and manageable intervention in improving health-related outcomes. This review aims to identify the research to date and gaps in practice of the role and application of puppetry interventions in nutrition education. A scoping review was conducted using the PICOS framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, identifying studies across eight databases between January, 1980 and July, 2025.Twenty-five studies were identified, with the majority (<i>n</i> = 19) aimed at pre-school and school-aged children. Fifteen studies used quasi-experimental, pre-post designs. The use of hand and finger puppets was common, as well as videos and puppet theatre. Studies reported consistently positive findings in knowledge gain and psychosocial involvement, but mixed results on behaviour change. Little is known about the rationale for the type of puppet used, the scripts, and what audience was targeted for nutrition intervention messaging. Research could be undertaken to give more insight into matching what type of puppet to use to match the nature, scope, and extent of the educational message. Reports and recommendations in this review showed that participant engagement is a common and important objective. The gaps of knowledge in use of puppetry in nutrition education are many, thus creating opportunities for further evaluations and research, particularly in utilising what seems to be a manageable intervention within health promotion and disease prevention programmes. Puppetry can be a low cost, flexible, and easy to manage adjunct to nutrition education activities, providing culturally appropriate messaging with a range of audiences.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e32"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13168910/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147943326","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 impact of egg-based supplementation on child malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.","authors":"Legese Petros, Alemneh Kabeta Daba, Abadi Gebre Mezgebe, Afework Mulugeta","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10097","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries and disproportionately affecting children under five. Eggs, given their high nutrient density and relative physical or economic accessibility, have been tested for their effect on improving nutritional outcomes in children under five. However, findings from scientific exercises to test the impact of egg-based trials on child growth have not been systhematically pooled and synthesised. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to synthesise evidence on the impact of egg-based interventions on the nutritional status of children underfive as determined by weight-for-height <i>Z</i>-score (WHZ), weight-for-age <i>z</i>-score (WAZ), and height-for-age <i>z</i>-score (HAZ). Research articles of randomised controlled trials published between 2013 and 2023 were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Index Medicus data bases. Articles evaluated the effect of egg-based interventions against alternative diets, behaviour-change education, or no alternative intervention were included. Primary outcomes are WHZ, WAZ, and HAZ. Random-effects models were used to pool effect sizes (mean difference), and subgroup analyses and meta-regression explored sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. Seven studies involving 3673 children met the inclusion criteria. Egg-based intervention significantly improved WAZ (MD: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11-0.55) and WHZ (MD: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12-0.48). However, no significant effect was observed on HAZ (MD: 0.05; 95% CI: -0.05-0.14). It is figuredout that egg-based interventions can improve weight-related nutritional outcomes (WHZ and HAZ) among children underfive in sub-Saharan Africa, but not linear growth (HAZ).</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e31"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13168911/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147943243","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":"Prevalence and correlates of disordered eating among adults who received weight-related nutrition consultations.","authors":"Luis Ortiz-Hernandez, Elizabeth Tapia-Hernandez","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10100","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Disordered eating (DE) is common among patients attending primary health care settings. However, the prevalence of DE among patients who receive care in nutrition practice settings has yet to be estimated. We aimed to determine the prevalence of DE and its correlates among outpatients in a nutrition service. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of outpatients (<i>N</i> = 502) who received care from 2022 to 2024 at the Nutrition Care Offices, which is a university nutrition service in Mexico City. A screening questionnaire was created to identify DE. Items were derived from existing DE screening tools and patients' experiences. Linear regression models were estimated, with the outcomes being the three indicators of DE (negative body image, binge eating-compensation, and exercise as a negative experience). The most common DE behaviours and cognitions were feeling uncomfortable or insecure about their body fat (74.7%), feeling ashamed of their weight (57.6%), feeling uncomfortable or insecure about their muscles (57.2%), feeling bad when their weight is measured (54.0%), and feeling they have lost control of what they eat (51.0%). Binge eating-compensation and negative body image scores were higher among women, younger individuals, those with higher body weight, and those with very light or light leisure-time physical activity (PA). The practice of leisure-time PA was positively associated with exercise as a negative experience but negatively related to negative body image. Our findings suggest that DE is a problem that arises recurrently in weight-related nutrition consultations. Higher risk groups deserved special attention.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e30"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13168913/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147943248","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":"Food provision in daycare: perspective of daycare staff and parents in association with nutrient intake and dietary diversity of under-five children.","authors":"Hanna Yuni Setiyaningrum, Rita Anggorowati, Umi Fahmida","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10087","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aims to compare dietary diversity score (DDS), nutrient intakes and child feeding practices between under-five children who are provided meals by daycare (PM) or bring a lunchbox (LB) and to explore the perspective of mothers, daycare staff and management on their role in providing balanced and nutritious meals for under-five children. The cross-sectional study used mixed method. The quantitative part assessed nutrient intakes using 2-day non-consecutive dietary records and child feeding practices using Child Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ). Qualitative research employed WeValue Insitu and Perspective Exploration. The study was conducted at daycares in Ministries/Agencies in Jakarta, Indonesia, involving 138 children (6-59 months) and 124 working mothers. The qualitative sample comprised three working mothers, five daycare staff, and five daycare managers. Although DDS was higher among children aged 6-23 months in the PM group, energy and nutrient intakes were lower, with higher inadequacy of folate and calcium. Mothers in the LB had higher scores in environment, encouragement of balance and variety, and restriction subscales. Qualitative data identified role of daycare in providing meals or advice on lunchbox menus, skipping breakfast, eating environment between home and daycare, and nutrition knowledge. The higher nutrient intakes in LB were concurrent with better child feeding practices. Food provision in daycare, if not accompanied by nutrition education for parents, may lead to parents over reliance to daycare. Nutrition education is needed to enhance attitudes and awareness of working mothers and daycare staff regarding breakfast consumption, menu planning, child feeding practices, and portion sizes.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e29"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13168909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147943194","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":"Anthropometry, energy, and nutrient intake of orphanage children (2-5 years) in eastern and western district of Kogi state.","authors":"Ifedilichukwu Emilia Nweze, Vivienne N Ibeanu, Uchechukwu Onyia, Ijeoma Tochukwu Onyemaechi","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10091","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malnutrition in children remains a major global public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 children, with a sub-sample of 23 children selected for a 3-day weighed food intake assessment. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and dietary intake records. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 and results were presented as means, frequencies, and percentages. The daily energy intake of children aged 4 and 5 years was below the recommended levels (74.1% and 64.3%, respectively). However, children aged 2 and 3 years had adequate energy intakes, exceeding the recommendations (102.4% and 111.5%). Iron intake across all age groups was below the recommended dietary intake. Intake of B-complex vitamins (B₁, B₂, B₃) among 2-, 3-, and 5-year-olds exceeded recommended levels. Calcium intake was consistently low across all age groups (2 years: 37.5%, 3 years: 44.6%, 4 years: 23.5%, 5 years: 24.7%), this is due to low consumption of protein food sources and vegetables rich in calcium. Key factors influencing low nutritional status included inadequate consumption of high protein food sources, overreliance on carbohydrate food (cassava flour), poor consumption of fruits and vegetables, and inability to access food due to sickness. The study highlights suboptimal intake of energy and essential micronutrients among orphanage children, particularly older age groups. Nutrition education, improved feeding practices, and increased dietary diversity are essential to improve the nutritional status of children in orphanages.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e28"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126059/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822195","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 impact of dietary interventions on quality of life in adults with inflammatory bowel disease: a narrative review.","authors":"Rebekah McGuire, Linda L Knol, Joy Douglas","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10096","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Symptoms associated with chronic inflammation have a negative impact on quality of life (QOL) in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Dietary changes may assist in improving symptoms; however, they can be difficult to implement, causing increased stress and decreased QOL. The purpose of this narrative review was to investigate the impact of dietary interventions on QOL in adults with IBD. EBSCOhost was used to simultaneously search eight databases using the search terms 'inflammatory bowel disease' or 'IBD' or 'ulcerative colitis' or 'Crohn's disease' AND 'dietary interventions' or 'dietary advice' or 'dietary recommendations'. Inclusion criteria included adults with IBD and a validated QOL measure. After screening 1054 studies, 15 clinical trials were identified. Among these studies, dietary interventions included the low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet (n = 4), Immunoglobulin G (IgG) diet (n = 2), Anti-Inflammatory Diet (AID) (n = 1), highly restricted organic diet (n = 1), Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP) (n = 1), Dietary Modified Program (DMP) (n = 1), Dietary Modified Framework (DMF) (n = 1), Mediterranean diet (n = 2), and a high fibre diet (n = 2). QOL was measured using various validated questionnaires. Significant improvements in QOL were found in two of the low FODMAP diet studies, both IgG diet studies, the DMP, and one high fibre diet study. The Anti-inflammatory Diet, Dietary Modified Framework, Autoimmune Protocol Diet, highly restricted organic diet, and Mediterranean diet did not significantly improve QOL. Future research should focus on comparing dietary interventions, longer study durations, diet adherence and QOL. Due to the complexity in the various diets, dietitians with expertise in IBD are needed to assist with diet management.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e27"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126063/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822221","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 impact of dietary phosphorus supplementation on postprandial metabolic outcomes: a systematic review.","authors":"Rania El Khoury, Omar A Obeid, Simon Welham, Amanda Avery","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10094","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Given the central role of phosphorus in key metabolic processes, including glucose phosphorylation, ATP synthesis, insulin signalling, and energy metabolism, dietary phosphorus availability may influence postprandial metabolic responses. This systematic review evaluates the effects of inorganic phosphorus supplementation on diet-induced thermogenesis, postprandial glycaemia, and postprandial lipidemia in healthy adults. A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was conducted. Only experimental intervention studies assessing phosphorus supplementation as the primary exposure and postprandial metabolic outcomes as primary endpoints were included. Eligible participants were healthy adults aged 18-64 years. Secondary outcomes included changes in body weight, energy intake, and satiety. Ten randomised crossover trials met inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 225 participants. Three out of four studies reported a significant positive association between phosphorus supplementation and diet-induced thermogenesis (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Evidence regarding the effects of phosphorus on postprandial glycaemia and lipidemia was inconsistent. An inverse association was observed between phosphorus intake and weight gain (<i>P</i> < 0.001) and energy intake (<i>P</i> < 0.01), alongside a positive association with satiety (<i>P</i> < 0.05). While these findings indicate potential metabolic benefits of dietary phosphorus, particularly in relation to thermogenesis and energy regulation, interpretation is tempered by the small number of available studies, modest sample sizes, and methodological heterogeneity. These limitations restrict causal inference and generalizability. Further rigorously designed, adequately powered clinical trials are therefore warranted to substantiate these associations and to clarify the effects of phosphorus on postprandial glycaemic and lipid outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e26"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126066/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822236","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":"Association between carbohydrate consumption and self-assessed severe headache or migraine among American adults.","authors":"Deqi Zhai, Saichun Zhang, Zihua Gong, Yingyuan Liu, Wenting Zhai, Longteng Ma, Shuqing Wang, Xiaoxue Lin, Shuhua Zhang, Xiu Liu, Huijuan Yuan, Yahui Zhu, Ludan Chen, Huanxian Liu, Zhao Dong","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10081","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prior research suggests that low-carbohydrate diets may reduce the frequency of headache attacks in individuals with migraine. However, the association between dietary carbohydrate intake and migraine in adults remains unclear. Given migraine's significant public health burden and the modifiable nature of diet, understanding this relationship is vital for prevention. This study therefore investigated whether carbohydrate intake is associated with severe headache or migraine in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (1999-2004), this study examined the association between dietary carbohydrate intake and severe headache or migraine in adults aged over 20. Multivariable logistic regression was used, adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. The study surveyed 10,413 participants, with 2062 reporting severe headache or migraine. Analysis of carbohydrate energy percentage revealed: compared to Q1 (≤42.7%), odds ratios (ORs) for severe headache or migraine were 1.04 for Q2 (42.7% to ≤50.5%, <i>P</i> = 0.642), 1.13 for Q3 (50.5% to ≤58.0%, <i>P</i> = 0.176), and 1.32 for Q4 (>58.0%, <i>P</i> = 0.008). A non-linear association was found between dietary carbohydrate intake and severe headache or migraine among U.S. adults (<i>P</i> for non-linearity = 0.002). The group with carbohydrate intake ≥51.1% of total energy had an OR of 1.22 (95% CI: 1.09-1.38, <i>P</i> = 0.002) compared to those below this level. The data suggest a significant association, with an important inflection point occurring at approximately 51.1%. This research uncovered a non-linear link between carbohydrate intake from diet and the chance of suffering from severe headache or migraine among American adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e24"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822180","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":"High risk of disordered eating is associated with body composition, behavioural factors, and perceived stress among university students: a cross-sectional study from the UAE.","authors":"Leila Cheikh Ismail, MoezAlIslam Faris, Dana N Abdelrahim, Falak Zeb, Maysm N Mohamad, Enas Amer, Maram Alali, Marianna Draghmeh, Najat Ben-Mustafa, Lily Stojanovska, Ayesha Salem Al Dhaheri","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10089","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Disordered eating (DE) significantly affects both physical and mental health, contributing to morbidity, mortality, and considerable global healthcare costs. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of high-risk DE and examined its associations with body composition, behavioural factors, diet quality, and perceived stress among university students in the United Arab Emirates. A total of 911 students were recruited using non-probability quota sampling (50.49% female). Body composition was measured using a TANITA BC-420MA body composition monitor. Usual dietary intake was assessed via a validated 65-item food frequency questionnaire. DE risk was assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and perceived stress using the PSS-10. Analysis included linear regression and independent-samples <i>t</i>-test (<i>p</i> < 0.05). High-risk DE (EAT-26 ≥ 20) prevalence was 30.3%. High-risk DE was significantly associated with higher body fat percentage (<i>β</i> = 0.121, <i>p</i> < 0.001), fat mass (<i>β</i> = 0.148, <i>p</i> < 0.001), fat-free mass (<i>β</i> = 0.079, <i>p</i> = 0.017), lean mass (<i>β</i> = 0.08, <i>p</i> = 0.016), total body water (<i>β</i> = 0.084, <i>p</i> = 0.011), and lower total body water percentage (<i>β</i> = -0.131, <i>p</i> < 0.001). High-risk students also reported higher intakes of fibre (<i>β</i> = 0.12, <i>p</i> = 0.018), beta-carotene (<i>β</i> = 0.14, <i>p</i> = 0.025), vitamin A (<i>β</i> = 0.13, <i>p</i> = 0.034), B12 (<i>β</i> = 0.15, <i>p</i> = 0.043), folate (<i>β</i> = 0.16, <i>p</i> = 0.006), and vitamin D (<i>β</i> = 0.16, <i>p</i> = 0.036). Compared with the low-risk group, high-risk DE was associated with higher adiposity markers and slightly higher perceived stress, and differed in selected nutrient intakes; sociodemographic characteristics were largely similar between groups except for smoking status. These findings support the implementation of targeted prevention strategies, including nutrition education, routine screening, and culturally tailored programmes, for young adults in the UAE.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e25"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822231","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":"Association of gut microbiota dietary index with MAFLD and the risk of liver fibrosis: the mediating effect of vitamins.","authors":"Jinlu Han, Teng Zhou, Jiong Chen, Ling Xu, Wen Shan, Qinghui Zhang","doi":"10.1017/jns.2026.10093","DOIUrl":"10.1017/jns.2026.10093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is emerging as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with a spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and involves genetic, metabolic, and gut microbiota factors. Gut microbiota, through the gut-liver axis, plays a crucial role in the progression of MAFLD. Here, we investigated the association between DI-GM, a novel metric reflecting diet-microbiota interactions, MAFLD, and liver fibrosis, with a focus on the mediating role of vitamins. Using data from 13,498 participants across seven NHANES cycles (2007-2018), we found that higher DI-GM scores, indicative of a healthier gut microbiota-promoting diet, were associated with a reduced prevalence of MAFLD (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88-0.99) and high-risk liver fibrosis (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90-0.98) in fully adjusted models. Notably, the relationship between DI-GM and MAFLD and the risk of liver fibrosis is largely mediated by specific vitamins and carotenoids, with vitamin C and cis-β-carotene emerging as key mediators. These findings suggest that dietary interventions targeting the gut microbiota and vitamin supplementation could offer new strategies for the prevention and management of MAFLD. Our study provides the first comprehensive evidence linking DI-GM to MAFLD and the risk of liver fibrosis, highlighting the potential of diet and nutrition to modulate metabolic liver diseases. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms and validating these findings through prospective studies and clinical trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":47536,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Nutritional Science","volume":"15 ","pages":"e23"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13126062/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822240","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}