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Topic Review
Fortification
Large-scale food fortification is an effective, sustainable, and scalable intervention to address vitamin and mineral deficiencies, however, pressing gaps exist globally around ensuring the quality of fortified foods. This paper summarizes the global challenges and gaps faced in monitoring the quality of fortified foods, the guidance produced in response to these challenges, where we are today in terms of effective implementation, and what approaches and opportunities may be usefully applied to enhance the quality of fortified foods moving forward.
  • 999
  • 14 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Breast Milk
Breast milk is an unbeatable food that covers all the nutritional requirements of an infant in its different stages of growth up to six months after birth. But the advantages of breastfeeding go beyond nutrition and are unanimously defended by all health establishments. Preventive medicine could also benefit from knowledge of the mechanisms by which human milk improves human development.
  • 998
  • 27 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Pharmacodynamics of the Main Bioactive Peptides
Bioactive peptides (BPs) are a heterogeneous class of molecules found in a wide range of plant and animal sources. The first bioactive peptide was identified circa 1900 by Mellander, who isolated BPs from casein and demonstrated its ability to improve bone calcification in rachitic children. BPs can be defined as peptides between 2 and 20 amino acids able to modulate physiological functions. In general, BP consist of an inactive precursor molecule that becomes active after release of the active site by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract, thus allowing BP to be absorbed through specific peptide transporters. Thus, BP can be classified into exogenous and endogenous molecules, obtained via gastrointestinal digestion or artificially, respectively.
  • 995
  • 14 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Dietary Interventions in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood, affecting ~7% of children and adolescents. Specific dietary interventions have been proposed as coadjuvant treatments in this disorder. These include nutritional supplements with vitamins, minerals, and polyunsaturated fatty acids; microbiome-targeted interventions with pre-, pro-, and synbiotics; and specific diets such as restriction or elimination diets. Regarding nutritional supplements, only vitamin D and vitamin D + magnesium appear to improve ADHD symptoms when baseline levels of vitamin D are insufficient/deficient. As for biotics, evidence has only been found for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and for multi-species probiotic supplementation. Elimination diets have scarce evidence and lead to nutritional deficiencies, so caution is advised.
  • 993
  • 30 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Brain Iron Metabolism
Iron is an essential trace element important for many biological functions, including the essential functions of the nervous system. Understanding the mechanisms of iron homeostasis is  of clinical relevance since either depletion or accumulation of intracellular iron may affect the normal function of the cell. Brain iron metabolism is a topic of growing interest since numerous researches have proved its role in neurodegeneration (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease) and other neurological disorders, especially in elderly. Maintaining of brain iron homeostasis is very specific because of the blood-brain barrier. It is a physiological barrier formed by the endothelial cells that line cerebral microvessels and has an important role in maintaining a precisely regulated brain microenvironment. Despite the years of research, the complex mechanisms for the iron influx, efflux, and regulation in the brain are not completely resolved. It would be of great importance for the future research to determine the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms related to disturbances of brain iron metabolism, especially in the context of brain aging and as potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
  • 991
  • 01 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Dietary Nitrates in Sports Nutrition
Higher intake of nitrates from the diet can increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) via the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway. Increased production of NO (e.g., in mitochondria, blood vessel cells, muscle cells) may improve physical performance. Nevertheless, the increased availability of NO via daily diet or supplementation does not always lead to improved performance in some individuals. Research observations suggest there might be fibre-type specific effects of dietary nitrates (DN) intake. It seems that ergogenicity is somehow related to the fibre-type ratio in muscles, augmenting the exercise economy and performance more likely via type II muscle fibres than type I. Therefore, more consistent and positive improvements in physical performance are usually observed in less-trained athletes (VO2max <65 mL/min/kg) or untrained. Statistically non-significant effects on performance are less likely observed in well-trained and elite endurance-trained athletes (VO2max >65 mL/min/kg). It is also essential to follow the correct supplementation plan (acute/chronic use) to enhance exercise economy or performance, whereas the chronic use of DN brings more consistent results. Nevertheless, DN offer easily available, safe and efficient ergogenic aid for some athletes who seek to improve their performance.
  • 990
  • 17 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Punicalagin in Cancer Prevention
Punicalagin, present in pomegranate, myrobalan, yellow wood, tropical almond, and pink rock-rose, belongs to ellagitannins - a subgroup of hydrolyzable tannins. In vitro studies, based on cell line experiments, have demonstrated punicalagin anti-cancer actions on human cervical, ovarian, breast, lung, thyroid, colorectal, central nervous system, bone, as well as other cancer types. Punicalagin seems to work through a redirection of signal-transduction pathways from survival and proliferation into cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence or autophagy (thus compromising neoplastic progression). However, since it readily undergoes hydrolysis releasing e.g. ellagic acid, these might be its products which are responsible for the observed effects. Moreover, when practical application of punicalagin in chemoprevention is addressed, its biotransformation in the human organism should be considered (including both host and microbiome enzymatic impact). Therefore, however promising punicalagin antineoplastic properties seem to be, in vivo-based research should be conducted before translating the results obtained from in vitro studies into practice.
  • 990
  • 26 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Nanoplastic and the Gut-Brain Axis
The widespread usage of plastic places a significant burden on the environment and impacts numerous aquatic and terrestrial species. Humans in particular can be affected by plastic pollution, predominantly via inhalation and ingestion, as well as trophic transfer along the food chain. Under natural conditions synthetic materials undergo degradation into micro- and nanoparticles, especially prone to interact with biological systems. Organisms exposed to nanoplastic accumulate it in multiple tissues, including the gut and the brain. The scarce but consistent evidence shows that exposure to plastic nanoparticles can indeed affect both the digestive and the nervous system, therefore, potentially pose a threat to the complex network of mutual interactions between them, known as the gut-brain axis.
  • 988
  • 28 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Anticancer Properties of Carnosol
Cancer is characterized by unrestricted cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, enhanced invasion and migration, and deregulation of signaling cascades. These properties lead to uncontrolled growth, enhanced survival, and the formation of tumors. Carnosol, a naturally occurring phyto-polyphenol (diterpene) found in rosemary, has been studied for its extensive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. In cancer cells, carnosol has been demonstrated to inhibit cell proliferation and survival, reduce migration and invasion, and significantly enhance apoptosis. These anticancer effects of carnosol are mediated by the inhibition of several signaling molecules including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Akt, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Additionally, carnosol prevents the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and promotes apoptosis, as indicated by increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9, increased levels of the pro-apoptotic marker Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), and reduced levels of the anti-apoptotic marker B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2).
  • 987
  • 15 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Health Promotion Effects of Dietary Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene (PTS), a natural analog of resveratrol is a compound most abundantly found in blueberries. PTS is produced by several plant species such as peanuts and grapes. While resveratrol has been extensively studied for its antioxidant properties, recent evidence also points out the diverse therapeutic potential of PTS. Several studies have identified the robust pharmacodynamic features of PTS, including better intestinal absorption and elevated hepatic stability than resveratrol. Indeed, due to its higher bioavailability paired with reduced toxicity compared to other stilbenes, PTS has become an attractive drug candidate for the treatment of several disease conditions, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, COVID-19 and aging. 
  • 984
  • 17 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Nutrients and Cognitive Neurodevelopment
Proper nutrition is crucial for normal brain and neurocognitive development. Failure to optimise neurodevelopment early in life can have profound long-term implications for both mental health and quality of life. Although the first 1000 days of life represent the most critical period of neurodevelopment, the central and peripheral nervous systems continue to develop and change throughout life. Besides their individual contributions, the interaction of nutrients with other micro- and macronutrients and the way in which they are organised in the food matrix are all of crucial importance for normal neurocognitive development. Also the gut-brain axis, including the gut microbiota, is an important modifier in this respect.
  • 981
  • 12 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Gluten and Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adults
There is currently a growing anti-gluten trend which, except for individuals with coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) for whom its intake is contraindicated, results in gluten (the main protein in wheat and other cereals) being considered harmful to health and excluded from diets, largely due to information distributed through social networks. However, in many cases the recommendation to exclude gluten from the diet goes beyond personal choice and is promoted by health professionals. This choice and/or recommendation is especially important to individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for which this exclusion is justified to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
  • 981
  • 16 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia and Dehydration
During the last few years, the numbers of competitors in endurance and ultra-endurance sports modalities have increased significantly. This type of competition is an extreme challenge for athletes. Therefore, they have an increased the risk of developing medical and nutritional problems like exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), dehydration (DH); the provision of misinformation to athletes about nutrient intake and hydration during competition was identified as the main cause. These problems can affect the performance and health status of the athlete during and post-competition. Several nutritional guidelines have been suggested that can prevent these adverse outcomes, and it is essential to individualize and adjust the nutritional intake and hydration status according to the characteristics of each competition.
  • 978
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Coenzyme Q10 in Fibromyalgia
The coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring benzoquinone derivative widely prescribed as a food supplement for different physical conditions and pathologies. Thanks to its favourable combination of functional activity and safety profile, it is widely prescribed for an ever increasing number of physical conditions. Ageing, myopathy, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, migraine, diabetes, infertility, Friedreich's ataxia, and neurologic disorders like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, are but a few examples that today prompt practitioners to prescribe CoQ10. To this already extensive list, fibromyalgia has been added, once it has been clear that CoQ10 deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction are both implicated in its pathophysiology. 
  • 977
  • 09 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Beneficial Biological Effects of Helichrysum italicum
Helichrysum italicum (family Asteraceae), due to its various beneficial biological effects, represents an important plant in the traditional medicine of Mediterranean countries. There is a renewed interest in this medicinal plant, especially in investigations involving the isolation and identification of its bioactive compounds from extracts and essential oils, as well as in experimental validation of their pharmacological activities. The research is focused on the beneficial biological effects of Helichrysum italicum extracts, essential oils, and their major bioactive polyphenolic compounds, ranging from antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activities to their antiviral, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antiparasitic effects.
  • 975
  • 08 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Vitamin C: AA vs. DHA
The reduced form of vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) is an essential micronutrient of small size; it is soluble in water and has two dissociable protons with pKa values of 4.2 and 11.8. At physiological pH, its reduced form predominates as the monovalent ascorbate anion (AA); when it loses the second proton, it is oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). Most mammals can synthesize vitamin C from D-glucose in the liver, except guinea pigs, bats, and higher primates, including humans, due to the absence of the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase, which catalyzes the last step of the bio-synthesis of vitamin C . Therefore, to meet the body’s requirements, vitamin C must be incorporated into the diet. The best-known function of vitamin C is as an anti-oxidant agent that can act as a cofactor of enzymatic reactions involved in the synthe sis of catecholamines, carnitine, cholesterol, amino acids, and some hormonal peptides, as well as in the maintenance of brain function and the protection of central nervous system (CNS) structures . AA uptake in different cells is performed by the sodium-ascorbate cotransporters SVCT1 and SVCT2, which stereospecifically transport the reduced form of vitamin C, L-ascorbate . Vitamin C can also be transported in its oxidized form, DHA, through the facilitative glucose transporters GLUT1, GLUT2, GLUT3, GLUT4, and GLUT8. However, for a long time, it has been postulated that the contribution of DHA to the accumulation of vitamin C in tissues is relatively low. 
  • 970
  • 20 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Chronic High Fructose Intake in Beverages and SARS-CoV-2
Fructose intake from SSBs increased during the COVID-19 lockdown. Chronic high intake of fructose activates several damage-associated processes of lung injury, including renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation, uric acid (UA) levels, aldose reductase (AR) activity, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) production. These molecular mechanisms are involved in lung injury induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. 
  • 966
  • 12 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Low Carbohydrate Diet
Low-carbohydrate diets are increasingly used to help patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We sought to provide an overview of the evidence for this treatment approach, considering the epidemiology and pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes in terms of carbohydrate excess. We describe the mechanistic basis for the clinical benefits associated with nutritional ketosis and identify areas of practice where the evidence base could be improved. 
  • 963
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are non-digestible and structurally diverse complex carbohydrates that are highly abundant in human milk. To date, more than 200 different HMO structures have been identified. Their concentrations in human milk vary according to various factors such as lactation period, mother’s genetic secretor status, and length of gestation (term or preterm).
  • 962
  • 26 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Lipid-Based Nanocarrier for Nutraceuticals Delivery
Nutraceuticals possess several health benefits and functions; however, most nutraceuticals are prone to degradation in the gastrointestinal environment and have poor bioavailability. Application of a novel carrier system is of increasing importance to overcome obstacles and provide efficient applicability. Lipid-based nanocarriers provide a large surface-to-mass ratio, enhanced intestinal absorption by solubilization in the intestinal milieu, intestinal lymphatic transport, and altering enterocyte-based transport.
  • 961
  • 23 Sep 2021
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