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Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 15297

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Dr. António Raposo

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CBIOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: food safety; food security; food innovation; natural food products; nutrition; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Renata Puppin Zandonadi

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Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
Interests: diet; food; foodservice; nutrition; plant-based; gluten-free; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho

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Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil
Interests: dietetics; food allergies; food development; foodservice; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Eating is about how we relate to food in various contexts, and it is influenced by difficult choices that take into account biological, social, cultural, economic, psychological, and access-to-food-related aspects. As a result, eating decisions go beyond basic physiological and nutritional requirements. They may occasionally be conscious, but they can also be automatic, habitual, or subconscious. In these ways, eating is a complicated amalgam of ingrained habits, social norms, and acquired attitudes and feelings toward food. Despite being a long-standing international human right, not everyone has access to enough food. This includes people with low incomes, those who follow special diets, and people with dietary restrictions. Beyond all aspects including food choices, people with dietary restrictions are also subject to constraints placed on food consumption as a means of disease prevention or treatment. Additionally, some people choose not to eat certain types of foods for a variety of reasons, including ethical, moral, religious, and environmental reasons. These people may also have trouble getting access to enough food. In addition to being appropriate for their specificities, special diets and other dietary patterns should support an individual's nutritional and energy needs. This is important for an individual's health because unbalanced diets can have negative effects on the metabolism, resulting in nutrient deficiencies and causing inadequate weight. When people are not properly instructed regarding food (choices and consumption) and a healthy diet, it is assumed that special diets or other dietary patterns will be inappropriate. Additionally, the maintenance of a balanced diet is endangered by the higher cost and poorer nutritional and sensory quality of specialty food products compared to conventional meals. In addition to these challenges, people who follow special diets may experience social issues. Additionally, individuals could have difficulty getting hold of certain foods, getting access to restaurants that serve specialty cuisine, and getting advice on how to prepare nutritious meals. All of these factors may negatively impact these people's quality of life and have an impact on their access to and choice of food. As a result, this Special Issue seeks original research studies, reviews, commentaries, and short communications on: special diets; dietary restrictions; dietary patterns; gluten-free diets; dairy-free diets; sugar restriction; salt restriction; vegan diets; vegetarian diets; quality of life; and sustainability.

Dr. António Raposo
Dr. Renata Puppin Zandonadi
Prof. Dr. Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

special diets
gluten-free diets
dairy-free diets
salt restriction
sugar restriction
vegetarianism
dietary restrictions
quality of life
sustainability

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sociodemographic Trends in Planetary Health Diets among Nutrition Students in Türkiye: Bridging Classroom to Kitchen

by Semra Navruz-Varlı, Hande Mortaş and Menşure Nur Çelik

Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091277 - 25 Apr 2024

Viewed by 317

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of sociodemographic parameters on healthy and sustainable nutrition in nutrition students. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 601 students. Researchers administered questionnaire forms to gather sociodemographic information such as age, gender, geographical region, residence area, accommodation, BMI, and income level. Participants’ 24 h dietary records were used to evaluate Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020) and Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI). The mean PHDI scores of the Marmara (53.4 ± 14.9), Aegean (58.2 ± 18.3), Mediterranean (55.3 ± 15.5), and Black Sea (55.5 ± 15.7) regions, which are the coastal regions of Türkiye, were significantly higher than for the Central Anatolia region (46.7 ± 15.1). The PHDI and HEI-2020 score means of students living in metropolitan cities and rural areas were significantly higher than those living in urban areas (p < 0.05). Being in the 20–25 years age group increased the probability of being in a lower PHDI group (AOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.07:3.12; p = 0.028). While a similar result was found in the 20–25 years age group for HEI-2020, income level and gender did not have a statistically significant effect on these scores. Since students’ ages, geographical regions, and residence areas affect PHDI and HEI-2020, it is considered important to take these sociodemographic variables into consideration in guidelines and studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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17 pages, 2808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of PNPLA3_rs738409 Gene Variant, Lifestyle Factors, and Bioactive Compounds in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Population-Based and Molecular Approach towards Healthy Nutrition

by Meiling Liu and Sunmin Park

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081239 - 21 Apr 2024

Viewed by 488

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a common non-synonymous gene variant (C>G, rs738409) in patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3), leading to the substitution of isoleucine with methionine at position 148 (PNPLA3-I148M), on susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and explore potential therapeutic nutritional strategies targeting PNPLA3. It contributed to understanding sustainable dietary practices for managing NAFLD, recently referred to as metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver. NAFLD had been diagnosed by ultrasound in a metropolitan hospital-based cohort comprising 58,701 middle-aged and older Korean individuals, identifying 2089 NAFLD patients. The interaction between PNPLA3 and lifestyle factors was investigated. In silico analyses, including virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, were conducted to identify bioactive compounds from foods targeting PNPLA3(I148M). Subsequent cellular experiments involved treating oleic acid (OA)-exposed HepG2 cells with selected bioactive compounds, both in the absence and presence of compound C (AMPK inhibitor), targeting PNPLA3 expression. Carriers of the risk allele PNPLA3_rs738409G showed an increased association with NAFLD risk, particularly with adherence to a plant-based diet, avoidance of a Western-style diet, and smoking. Delphinidin 3-caffeoyl-glucoside, pyranocyanin A, delta-viniferin, kaempferol-7-glucoside, and petunidin 3-rutinoside emerged as potential binders to the active site residues of PNPLA3, exhibiting a reduction in binding energy. These compounds demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in intracellular triglyceride and lipid peroxide levels in HepG2 cells, while pretreatment with compound C showed the opposite trend. Kaempferol-7-glucoside and petunidin-3-rutinoside showed potential as inhibitors of PNPLA3 expression by enhancing AMPK activity, ultimately reducing intrahepatic lipogenesis. In conclusion, there is potential for plant-based diets and specific bioactive compounds to promote sustainable dietary practices to mitigate NAFLD risk, especially in individuals with genetic predispositions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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12 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mediterranean Diet Favors Vitamin K Intake: A Descriptive Study in a Mediterranean Population

by Ezequiel Pinto, Carla Viegas, Paula Ventura Martins, Catarina Marreiros, Tânia Nascimento, Leon Schurgers and Dina Simes

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1098; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081098 - 09 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1138

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with improved longevity and the prevention and management of chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs). Vitamin K, which is present in MD core components such as leafy green vegetables, is also known as a protective factor for CIDs. Estimates of vitamin K intake in Mediterranean settings are still scarce, and the association between MD and vitamin K intake is yet to be established. This study analyzed vitamin K intake and MD adherence in the Algarve region, in Portugal. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a nonrandom sample of adults using an online questionnaire which included a validated food-frequency questionnaire and a screener for MD adherence. A total of 238 participants were recruited (68% women and 32% men). Adherence to the MD was low (11%). Only 10% of the participants had vitamin K intake below the adequate intake. Adherence to the MD was positively correlated with vitamin K intake (r = 0.463; p < 0.001) and age (r = 0.223; p < 0.001). Our findings underscore the importance of promoting adherence to the MD for optimal vitamin K intake, and future research should focus on developing effective interventions to promote this dietary pattern, particularly among younger individuals and men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

11 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Dietitian within Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN): A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Clinician Perspectives

by Cliona Brennan, Julian Baudinet, Mima Simic and Ivan Eisler

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050670 - 27 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Background: Despite dietitians being important members of the multidisciplinary team delivering family therapy for anorexia nervosa (FT-AN), their specific responsibilities and roles are unclear and their involvement in the treatment can be a contentious issue. Methodology: Clinicians (n = 20) experienced in the delivery of FT-AN who were working at a specialist child and adolescent eating disorder service responded to an online survey about their experience of including a dietitian in FT-AN and how they understand the role. Both categorical and open-ended questions were used. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative free-text responses of clinician perspectives on the role of the dietitian in FT-AN. Results: All clinicians agreed that dietetics had a role within FT-AN and most frequently sought dietetic involvement in the early phases of FT-AN. Reflexive thematic analysis of responses identified three main themes. These were (1) collaboration is key, (2) confidence as a core consideration and (3) case-by-case approach. These themes evidenced the role of the dietitian within FT-AN and highlighted both the benefits and concerns of this involvement. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that dietitians can take a core role as collaborators within therapy-led teams that facilitate joint working and sharing of expertise. However, dietetic input should be considered on a case-by-case basis, given its potential for creating an over-focus on nutrition and potentially diminishing parental confidence in feeding. When indicated for selected cases, nutritional counselling should be offered in joint sessions with the therapist rather than separately. The findings of the study were limited by the small sample size of participants recruited from a single centre and heterogeneity in the professional background of respondents. Although the integration of dietetics within the multidisciplinary team and the ability of dietitians to individualise patient care can enhance FT-AN treatment, potential benefits and disbenefits should be considered for each case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

10 pages, 491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Salicornia patula Duval-Jouve Young Shoots in Healthy and Sustainable Diets

by Irene Sánchez Gavilán, Daniela Velázquez Ybarzabal, Vicenta de la Fuente, Rosa M. Cámara, María Cortes Sánchez-Mata and Montaña Cámara

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030358 - 25 Jan 2024

Viewed by 979

Abstract

The revalorization of natural resources in food production is increasing, and the effect of climate change is negatively affecting the production of conventional crops. In recent years, edible halophytes have received more attention due to their ability to tolerate a wide range of salinities. Thus, the use of halophytes that require less water and are strongly adapted to high-salinity soil and coastal areas can provide sustainable agriculture in certain areas. In addition, there is growing interest in the study of the possibilities that these species offer as foods due to their excellent nutritional profile and antioxidant properties. For that reason, the exploitation of plants adapted to these areas is nowadays even more important than in the past to guarantee food security in arid or semiarid salinized territories. The available data about the nutrients and bioactive compounds composition of many non-cultivated edible vegetables traditionally used in the Mediterranean area, such as Salicornia edible young shoots, are still scarce. With the aim of improving the knowledge on their nutritional value, the present study provides new data about the content of some compounds with biological activity, such as fiber and organic acids, in eight samples of young shoots of S. patula Duval-Jouve gathered in great mainland and coastal salt marshes in Southwest and Central Spain. Results showed that this vegetable can be considered a healthy food and a very good source of dietary fiber (4.81–6.30 g/100 g fw total fiber). Its organic acid profile showed oxalic, malic, citric and succinic acids. Oxalic acid was the major one, with mean values of 0.151–1.691 g/100 g fw. From the results obtained in this study, S. patula shoots could be recommended as an alternative source of fiber for healthy and sustainable diets in the general adult population with no risk of renal disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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32 pages, 5480 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Comprehensive Dietary Intervention Program, Promoting Nutrition Literacy, Eating Behavior, Dietary Quality, and Gestational Weight Gain in Chinese Urban Women with Normal Body Mass Index during Pregnancy

by Qian Li, Noppawan Piaseu, Srisamorn Phumonsakul and Streerut Thadakant

Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020217 - 10 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1919

Abstract

In urban Chinese women with normal body weight during pregnancy, we implemented a comprehensive dietary intervention program aimed at enhancing nutrition literacy, dietary quality, and gestational weight gain. The methods included both online and offline health education on prenatal nutrition, weekly weight monitoring, family back education practices, and real-time dietary guidance. The intervention was delivered to randomly assigned control and intervention group participants from gestational week 12 to week 24. The intervention group (n = 44; 100% complete data) showed significant differences (mean (SD)) compared to the control group (n = 42; 95.5% complete data) in nutrition literacy (53.39 ± 6.60 vs. 43.55 ± 9.58, p < 0.001), restrained eating (31.61 ± 7.28 vs. 28.79 ± 7.96, p < 0.001), Diet Quality Distance (29.11 ± 8.52 vs. 40.71 ± 7.39, p < 0.001), and weight gain within the first 12 weeks of intervention (4.97 ± 1.33 vs. 5.98 ± 2.78, p = 0.029). However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of gestational diabetes (2 (4.5%) vs. 4 (9.5%), p = 0.629). Participants in the intervention group reported an overall satisfaction score of 4.70 ± 0.46 for the intervention strategy. These results emphasize the positive role of comprehensive dietary intervention in promoting a healthy diet during pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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19 pages, 2395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in the Factor Structure of the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) among Clinical vs. Non-Clinical Adolescent Israeli Females

by Zohar Spivak-Lavi, Yael Latzer, Daniel Stein, Ora Peleg and Orna Tzischinsky

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4168; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194168 - 27 Sep 2023

Viewed by 925

Abstract

In recent years, the diagnostic definitions of eating disorders (EDs) have undergone dramatic changes. The Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), which is considered an accepted instrument for community ED studies, has shown in its factorial structure to be inconsistent in different cultures and populations. The aim of the present study was to compare the factor structure of the EAT-26 among clinical and non-clinical populations. The clinical group included 207 female adolescents who were hospitalized with an ED (mean age 16.1). The non-clinical group included 155 female adolescents (mean age 16.1). Both groups completed the EAT-26. A series of factorial invariance models was conducted on the EAT-26. The results indicate that significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the original EAT-26 dimensions: dieting, bulimia and food preoccupation, and oral control. Additionally, the factorial structure of the EAT-26 was found to be significantly different in both groups compared to the original version. In the clinical group, the factorial structure of the EAT-26 consisted of four factors, whereas in the non-clinical sample, five factors were identified. Additionally, a 19-item version of the EAT-26 was found to be considerably more stable and well suited to capture ED symptoms in both groups, and a cutoff point of 22 (not 20) better differentiated clinical samples from non-clinical samples. The proposed shortening of the EAT from 40 to 26 and now to 19 items should be examined in future studies. That said, the shortened scale seems more suited for use among both clinical and non-clinical populations. These results reflect changes that have taken place in ED psychopathology over recent decades. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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10 pages, 497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Different Food Types to Vitamin A Intake in the Chinese Diet

by Xue Li, Can Guo, Yu Zhang, Li Yu, Fei Ma, Xuefang Wang, Liangxiao Zhang and Peiwu Li

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 4028; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15184028 - 17 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1178

Abstract

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is essential for human health. In this study, the daily vitamin A intake of Chinese residents was evaluated by investigating the vitamin A content of various foods. The results show that the dietary intake of vitamin A in common foods was 460.56 ugRAE/day, which is significantly lower than the recommended dietary reference intake of vitamin A (800 ugRAE/day for adult men and 700 ugRAE/day for adult women). Vegetables contributed the most to daily vitamin A dietary intake, accounting for 54.94% of vitamin A intake (253.03 ugRAE/day), followed by eggs, milk, aquatic products, meat, fruit, legumes, coarse cereals, and potatoes. Therefore, an increase in the vitamin A content of vegetables and the fortification of vegetable oils with vitamin A are effective ways to increase vitamin A intake to meet the recommended dietary guidelines in China. The assessment results support the design of fortified foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 4542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Bibliometric Analysis of Alternate-Day Fasting from 2000 to 2023

by Xiaoxiao Lin, Shuai Wang and Jinyu Huang

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3724; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173724 - 25 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1992

Abstract

Alternate-day fasting (ADF) is becoming more popular since it may be a promising diet intervention for human health. Our study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to investigate current publication trends and hotspots in the field of ADF. Publications regarding ADF were identified from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. VOSviewer 1.6.16 and Online Analysis Platform were used to analyze current publication trends and hotspots. In total, there were 184 publications from 362 institutions and 39 countries/regions, which were published in 104 journals. The most productive countries/regions, institutions, authors, and journals were the USA, University of Illinois Chicago, Krista A. Varady, and Nutrients, respectively. The first high-cited publication was published in PNAS and authored by R. Michael Anson, and it was also the first article about ADF. The top five keywords with the highest frequency were as follows: calorie restriction, weight loss, intermittent fasting, obesity, and body weight. In conclusion, this is the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis related to ADF. The main research hotspots and frontiers are ADF for obesity and cardiometabolic risk, and ADF for several different population groups including healthy adults and patients with diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cancer. The number of studies about ADF is relatively small, and more studies are needed to extend our knowledge about ADF, to improve human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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10 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Food Frequency Questionnaire to Estimate Vitamin K Intake in a Mediterranean Population

by Ezequiel Pinto, Carla Viegas, Paula Ventura Martins, Tânia Nascimento, Leon Schurgers and Dina Simes

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 3012; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15133012 - 01 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1371

Abstract

Vitamin K is a multifunctional micronutrient essential for human health, and deficiency has been linked to multiple pathological conditions. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a new food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to estimate total vitamin K intake, over the course of a 30-day interval, in a Portuguese, Mediterranean-based, population. We conducted a prospective study in a non-random sample of 38 healthy adult volunteers. The FFQ was designed based on a validated Portuguese FFQ used in nationally representative studies and on literature reviews, to include foods containing ≥5 μg of vitamin K/100 g and foods with a lower vitamin K content, yet commonly included in a Mediterranean diet. Vitamin K intake was estimated from 24 h recalls and six days of food records. The final FFQ included 54 food items which, according to regression analyses, explains 90% of vitamin K intake. Mean differences in vitamin K intake based on food records (80 ± 47.7 μg/day) and on FFQ (96.5 ± 64.3 μg/day) were statistically non-significant. Further, we found a strong correlation between both methods (r = 0.7; p = 0.003). Our results suggest that our new FFQ is a valid instrument to assess the last 30 days of vitamin K intake in the Portuguese Mediterranean population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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Review

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23 pages, 1129 KiB

Open AccessReview

Instruments to Evaluate Food Neophobia in Children: An Integrative Review with a Systematic Approach

by Julyana Nogueira Firme, Priscila Claudino de Almeida, Emanuele Batistela dos Santos, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, António Raposo and Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho

Nutrients 2023, 15(22), 4769; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224769 - 13 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1179

Abstract

Food neophobia (FN), a frequent disorder in childhood, profoundly impacts the quality of a diet, restricting the intake of nutrients to maintain proper nutrition. Therefore, using the appropriate tools to assess FN in children to promote healthy eating habits is essential. The study aimed to develop an integrative review with a systematic approach to identify the instruments to measure FN in children and analyze their differences. The included studies (n = 17) were more concentrated in Europe, demonstrating the possible lack of dissemination of the topic at a global level. Among the 18 tools, 6 were represented by adaptations of the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) and the Children’s Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS), and one was the CFNS itself, demonstrating the relevance of these pioneering tools. The need to meet mainly cultural and cognitive criteria led to the creation of other instruments (n = 11). A diversity of approaches concerning the respondents, age range, items, scales, and validation methods was revealed. Modifications to the tools in some nations highlighted their adaptability and effectiveness in addressing regional variations. The instruments can contribute to additional research to help us better understand the prevalence of FN in children, resulting in their health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 870 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plant-Based Dietary Fibers and Polysaccharides as Modulators of Gut Microbiota in Intestinal and Lung Inflammation: Current State and Challenges

by Yu Shen, Mingming Song, Shihao Wu, Hongbo Zhao and Yu Zhang

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3321; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153321 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1434

Abstract

Recent research has underscored the significant role of gut microbiota in managing various diseases, including intestinal and lung inflammation. It is now well established that diet plays a crucial role in shaping the composition of the microbiota, leading to changes in metabolite production. Consequently, dietary interventions have emerged as promising preventive and therapeutic approaches for managing these diseases. Plant-based dietary fibers, particularly polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, have attracted attention as potential therapeutic agents for modulating gut microbiota and alleviating intestinal and lung inflammation. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the current state of research in this field, emphasizing the challenges and limitations associated with the use of plant-based dietary fibers and polysaccharides in managing intestinal and lung inflammation. By shedding light on existing issues and limitations, this review seeks to stimulate further research and development in this promising area of therapeutic intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Nutrition as the Key Reference in Special Diets, Quality of Life, and Sustainability)

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