Folate and folic acid (FA) are two forms of vitamin B9, a B-complex nutrient essential for the human body. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 and is found in foods such as citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and beans. In contrast, FA is the synthetic form and is commonly found in supplements and added to fortified foods. The metabolism of folate and FA plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis and methylation; therefore, understanding the mechanism through which a decrease in folate and FA consumption affects the development of breast cancer (BC) is important. DNA hypermethylation can inhibit the transcription of tumor suppressor genes, while DNA hypomethylation may have the same effect and activate oncogene transcription. However, some genetic variants exist, such as rs1801133 and rs1801131 in the MTHFR gene and rs1051266 in the RFC gene. The MTHFR gene encodes an enzyme that facilitates the utilization of folate to support essential bodily functions, while the RFC gene is responsible for transporting folate into cells and acts as an anion exchanger. Both genes intervene in the transport and absorption of FA and are related to an increased risk of cancer. Studies investigating the relationship between FA and BC often rely on in vitro and in vivo models; however, the findings may not fully translate to humans due to significant physiological and metabolic differences across species. This article explores how changes in FA metabolism due to malabsorption defects, a deficient diet or genetic variants may impact methylation processes and their relationship with BC.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was clinically documented to be accompanied by iron homeostasis imbalances, however, the causal relationship between them remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between iron homeostasis indicators (serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (TSAT)) and NAFLD risk.
We applied two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the effects of genetic liability to iron homeostasis indicators (N = 43,220–246,139) on NAFLD risk (N = 377,988) in individuals of European ancestry. Reverse direction MR, multivariable MR, and two-step MR were performed to estimate reverse association, causal effects independent of smoking or drinking, and the mediating effect of lipid metabolism, respectively. Smoking and drinking as confounders were considered confounders.
Genetically predicted serum iron, ferritin, and TSAT were significantly associated with a higher risk of NAFLD (odds ratio (OR): 1.286, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.075–1.539; p = 0.0059; OR: 1.260, 95% CI: 1.050–1.500, p = 0.0195; and OR: 1.223, 95% CI: 1.067–1.402; p = 0.0039, respectively). Reverse direction MR analysis suggested that genetic liability to NAFLD had no significant causal effect on iron homeostasis. Sex-specific MR exhibited a stronger effect size for the association of elevated ferritin with NAFLD risk in males (OR: 1.723, 95% CI: 1.338–2.219; p = 2.48 × 10-5). Two-step MR revealed that elevated triglycerides (TGs) mediated approximately 3%–5% of the observed effect of serum iron and TSAT on NAFLD risk, while decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) mediated 9%–10%.
Genetic liability to iron status imbalance may causally affect NAFLD. This evidence may support the clinical treatment of NAFLD in the target population.
This study aimed to investigate how education centering around nutrition can influence diet quality and health-related behavior in the Spanish population.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, and the validated NutSo-HH (Nutritional and Social Healthy Habits) questionnaire was administered. The overall sample was 1087 Spanish adults, 48.11% of whom had studied or were studying a degree in health sciences, compared to 51.89% who had no studies or were studying another subject. Differences between groups were assessed using statistical analyses.
The results indicated that people with higher nutrition education exhibited an increased consumption of vegetables (3.64 vs. 3.50), cereals (3.09 vs. 2.70), legumes (2.19 vs. 2.10) and water (3.47 vs. 3.34) (all p < 0.001) and a lower consumption of red meat (1.60 vs. 1.73) (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in the consumption of the remaining analyzed food products. People with health literacy reported better self-perceived health (3.94 vs. 3.76) (p < 0.001) and had a lower body mass index (BMI) (23.68 kg/m2 vs. 24.75 kg/m2) (p < 0.001) than those without health literacy. No significant differences were observed in the time spent in sports practice and sedentary lifestyle or in variables related to eating disorders.
This study concluded that although health science education showed some benefits in eating habits and perceptions of well-being, did not significantly influence all aspects of nutritional habits and lifestyles. Further studies with a more holistic approach could provide a more complete picture of the influence of health education on overall well-being.
Probiotics are increasingly recognized for promoting beneficial effects on intestinal health. However, most probiotic strains have been insufficiently researched, underscoring the need for further studies to fully understand their potential health benefits, especially in metabolic conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the role and possible mechanism of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YDJ-03 (YDJ-03) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum YDJ-6 (YDJ-6) in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hyperuricemia.
Twelve mice per group were fed a high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol (HFFC) diet for 90 days. Mice in both the YDJ-03 and YDJ-6 groups were administered a dose of 1.2 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU) intragastrically per mouse for 28 days before being injected with hypoxanthine (400 mg/kg) to induce hyperuricemia. Blood lipids (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)), liver injury markers (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), and renal injury markers (uric acid (UA) and creatinine (CREA)) levels were analyzed after the conclusion of the study.
In contrast to the model group, the YDJ-03 group exhibited a marked decrease in liver TGs (p = 0.033), MDA (p = 0.0041), serum UA (p = 0.0071) and CREA (p = 0.0072). The mRNA levels of renal toll-like receptor 2 (Tlr2) (p = 0.0018), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (Traf6) (p = 0.0013), and nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (Nfkb1) (p = 0.032) were downregulated, accompanied by marked attenuation of inflammatory cell infiltration in renal tissues and alleviation of glomerular epithelial cell swelling. Furthermore, YDJ-6 treatment promoted significant downward adjustments in hepatic TG (p = 0.0055), serum TG (p = 0.0082), and LDL-C (p = 0.0233) levels. YDJ-6 treatment also decreased serum ALT (p = 0.0458) and AST (p = 0.029) concentrations, downregulated the gene expression levels of inflammation-related adhesion G protein-coupled receptor E1 (Adgre1) (p = 0.033) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) (p = 0.0077), and effectively ameliorated hepatocellular lipid deposition and ballooning degeneration with hepatocyte necrosis.
YDJ-03 may exert nephroprotective effects by regulating the TLR2-mediated NF-κB pathway, and YDJ-6 can effectively reduce hepatic fat deposition and inflammation to alleviate liver injury.
Diet and nutrition have recently become a primary focus of public health worldwide. Food supplements (FSs), used to integrate common diets, are a highly marketed category of food products. This has positioned healthcare professionals (e.g., pharmacists) to have critical roles in their distribution and monitoring. Following a serious case of intoxication due to ingestion of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a nutrient source in a FS, a technical analysis was carried out to assess the admissible levels of vitamins and minerals in such products. KOH, known for its high potential hydrogen (pH) and caustic properties, poses safety risks if not properly diluted. The EU Regulation 1169/2011 regulates the provision of food information to consumers and establishes minimum significant quantities for nutrients in all food products, including K, which must not exceed certain levels to ensure safety. The use of KOH as a unique K source has been shown to create high alkalinity, posing potential risks when dissolved in water for human consumption. Safer alternative forms of K are available for FS. This underscores the need for continuous regulatory oversight and involvement of public decision makers to ensure consumer safety, given the broad variability in FS formulations and their increasing market share.
The magnesium depletion score (MDS), a novel clinical score, incorporates alcohol consumption, kidney disease, use of diuretics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to assess magnesium levels. However, the prognostic significance of the MDS individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains uncertain. This research aimed to explore the relationship between the MDS and mortality outcomes in NAFLD patients, including all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.
Data acquired on 16,394 NAFLD patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018 were analyzed in this cohort study. Mortality outcomes were assessed using the linked National Death Index, which included all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and CVD mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality outcomes related to the MDS. Subgroup analyses were also performed to explore the potential modifying influences of different demographic and clinical characteristics.
An elevated MDS was associated with significantly higher risks of all-cause mortality (HR 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15–1.30), cancer mortality (HR 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03–1.28), and CVD mortality (HR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.18–1.51). While these associations remained consistent in many subgroups, factors such as gender, education level, and alcohol consumption influenced the link between the MDS and mortality.
The MDS is as an innovative and feasible prognostic indicator for mortality among NAFLD patients. Incorporating the MDS into clinical practice could improve risk stratification and inform targeted interventions aimed at diminishing the risk of mortality linked to magnesium deficiency within this group.
Our study aimed to gain from a comprehensive understanding of organic food consumption in Switzerland.
Data from the Swiss National Nutrition Survey menuCH (2014–2015, n = 2057, 18 to 75 years old)and a cross-sectional, population-based survey were used. Dietary information was collected using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls (24HDRs). Organic foods were classified using information about food descriptors and labels. Participants were classified as organic food consumers if they had consumed organic foods in at least one 24HDR. Binomial logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with organic food consumption.
This study determined that 27.8% of the Swiss population consumed organic food. However, only 3.6% of all food consumed within this group of organic food consumers was organic. Food products of plant origin tended to be consumed more frequently as organic than were those of animal origin, except for eggs and dairy products. Organic food consumption was positively associated with female sex (odds ratio (OR) = 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69, 2.80), high educational degree (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.02, 1.61), and high alternate healthy eating index (OR = 5.45, 95% CI 3.70, 8.02), and negatively associated with young age (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.40, 0.78), French-speaking living area (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.56, 0.93), non-Swiss nationality (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.56, 0.98), large household size (OR = 0.59 95% CI 0.38, 0.89), and obesity (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.36, 0.77).
The present study provides a better understanding of the distribution of organic food consumption within the Swiss population and which subgroups consume particularly little organically produced food.
Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN 16778734; https://www.isrctn.com/search?q=menuch.
Obesity, one of the most frequent health risks, represents a global public health problem. The potential impact of L-carnitine, a vital nutrient for energy metabolism, on weight loss is worth considering. However, given the inconclusive results from recent meta-analyses on L-carnitine, we conducted an umbrella meta-analysis of placebo-controlled and controlled trials to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine on anthropometric indices.
Data synthesis: A comprehensive search approach using the relevant keywords was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus databases, and Google Scholar up to March 2023. Meta-analyses published in English that provided quantitative statistical analyses regarding the effects of L-carnitine on body weight, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) were included. A random-effects model and subgroup analysis were performed based on the L-carnitine dosage and study population.
A total of 16,352 participants were included. Intervention durations ranged from 8 to 30 weeks, with L-carnitine dosages ranging between 150 and 4000 mg/day. The pooled results of the eight included meta-analyses indicated that L-carnitine supplementation can significantly decrease weight (effect size (ES) = –1.11; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): –1.90, –0.33, p = 0.005; I2 = 90.6%, p < 0.001), BMI (ES = –0.33; 95% CI: –0.61, –0.04, p = 0.026; I2 = 89.8%, p < 0.001), and WC (ES = –1.34; 95% CI: –1.83, –0.85, p < 0.001; I2 = 00.0%, p = 0.442).
The findings of this umbrella meta-analysis support that supplementation of L-carnitine supplementation can successfully manage weight, BMI, and WC reduction. Therefore, L-carnitine might help treat obesity.
CRD42022307951.